Biological Pretreatment of MSW

Objectives

 

• Reduction of waste mass by degradation (by 15%)
• Saving landfill volume up to 50 % by gaining compactibility and increasing dry weight
• Decreasing of lechate pollution

Side effects

 

• Avoiding of paper flow
• No external Daily Earth Cover material required
• Bird deterring by destruction of nutrition base

Biological pretreated waste (above)

Untreated waste (below)

Method

MSW is being build up on piles and getting aerated. Due to microbiological processes, the organic components are degradated and remain as a biologically stabilized and mineralized material. After the treatment, the MSW is being dumped at the landfill.

Measures

Different systems are available

 

• Chimney effect system
  + low cost, quick start, less maintenance
  - long treatment time, high area demand
• Biopuster system
  + short treatment time, better stabilization
  - requires maintenance, higher operation costs

Reference

Download article about biotreatment, held in Philly 1999