Evaluation of the impact of RCRA amendments on waste-to-energy activities by using a system simulation computer code
The primary methodology that is used for disposal of municipal solid waste is the use of land fills; 80--85% of the municipal solid waste (MSW) produced in the country currently is land filled. The two other disposal alternatives used are recycling and incineration. Waste-to-energy technology (WTE) which incinerates MSW to produce electricity and/or steam is attractive in other cases since it reduces landfill volume, reduces the consumption of fossil and other fuels, and produces a revenue stream from the sale of the electricity or steam. The gaseous effluents from landfills can also be used to fuel power plants. Recycling and material separation programs can have a substantial impact on the throughput and heating value of MSW collected and thus impact WTE plant economics; the magnitude of the impact will depend upon a number of factors such as what materials and what fraction are separated and recycled, the design of the WTE plant itself (its operating window); the contractual arrangements relative to maintaining throughput (ability to adjust catchment area), limitations on adjusting tipping fees, etc. Mandated increased recycling and landfill gaseous effluent control -- could alter substantially the economics and competitive position of the MSW-WTE industry. The objectives of this study are: (1) to simulate typical WTE plants fired with a national average waste stream, (2) to evaluate the parametric effects of waste component recycling on the performance of the typical WTE plants, and (3) to assess the impact of RCRA recycling amendments on the performance of the typical WTE plants and on the potential methane generation of typical landfills. The relevant technical issues, technical approach, results and conclusions are presented.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 10182089
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/ES/CP--82570; CONF-9408152--1; ON: DE94018351
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Implementation of waste-to-energy options in landfill-dominated countries: Economic evaluation and GHG impact
Municipal solid-waste landfills. Volume 1. General issues. Final report
Related Subjects
090900
097000
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290300
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320604
CALORIFIC VALUE
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DEGASSING
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ECONOMICS
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, AND SAFETY
LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS
MATERIALS RECOVERY
METHANE
MUNICIPAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
MUNICIPAL WASTES
PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
PROCESSING
RECYCLING
RESOURCE RECOVERY ACTS
RESOURCE RECOVERY FACILITIES
SANITARY LANDFILLS