Zsigraiová Z., Tavares G., Semião V., Carvalho M. G.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE INCINERATION – CONTRIBUTION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration is presented as a process having impact on environment, citizen health and safety, strengthened by the fact that most of the incineration plants are located close to urban sites. There is still potential for development of the process control aiming the improvement of combustion efficiency of incineration through a more stable process resulting in the cost-effective production and the sustainable use of energy.
In recent years, the statistical and scientific evidence has shown that the climate is being disrupted by the build-up of greenhouse gases as result of degree of development. Solid waste incineration can contribute to reduction of local and global environment degrading emissions as it is partially neutral in terms of fossil-based carbon dioxide formation. Therefore waste management policy will play a part in achieving the objectives of emission reduction established under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change. In addition, there is a challenge to create a positive reaction from the public sector by accepting municipal solid waste incineration.
In the present paper the authors intend to bring overview on the actual situation in municipal solid waste incineration in European countries with the expected future trends in the field. They characterise the process from the emitted pollutants point of view, summarise the existing legislation on emissions related to the thermal treatment of waste in European Union. Finally, solutions for emissions reduction and future perspectives of municipal solid waste incineration in Europe are presented aiming to show its potential to contribute to sustainability of energy and environment.
Keywords: municipal solid waste|incineration|emissions|control|efficiency|legislation|
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