Source separation, transportation, pretreatment, and valorization of municipal solid waste: a critical review

Xuemeng Zhang, Chao Liu, Yuexi Chen, Guanghong Zheng () and Yinguang Chen ()
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Xuemeng Zhang: Tongji University
Chao Liu: Tongji University
Yuexi Chen: Tongji University
Guanghong Zheng: Tongji University
Yinguang Chen: Tongji University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2022, vol. 24, issue 10, No 1, 11513 pages

Abstract: Abstract Waste sorting is an effective means of enhancing resource or energy recovery from municipal solid waste (MSW). Waste sorting management system is not limited to source separation, but also involves at least three stages, i.e., collection and transportation (C&T), pretreatment, and resource utilization. This review focuses on the whole process of MSW management strategy based on the waste sorting perspective. Firstly, as the sources of MSW play an essential role in the means of subsequent valorization, the factors affecting the generation of MSW and its prediction methods are introduced. Secondly, a detailed comparison of approaches to source separation across countries is presented. Constructing a top-down management system and incentivizing or constraining residents' sorting behavior from the bottom up is believed to be a practical approach to promote source separation. Then, the current state of C&T techniques and its network optimization are reviewed, facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things technologies. Furthermore, the advances in pretreatment strategies for enhanced sorting and resource recovery are introduced briefly. Finally, appropriate methods to valorize different MSW are proposed. It is worth noting that new technologies, such as AI, show high application potential in waste management. The sharing of (intermediate) products or energy of varying processing units will inject vitality into the waste management network and achieve sustainable development. Graphical abstract

Keywords: Municipal solid waste (MSW); Waste sorting; Route optimization; Resource recovery; Waste management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-021-01932-w

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