Estimation of the energy content of the residual fraction refused by MBT plants: a case study in Zaragoza’s MBT plant

The proper estimation of the energy content of the residual fraction from mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) plants is essential for planning and promoting different methods to decrease its environmental impact, to lower the consumption of energy resources, and to reduce economic costs. Currently, in many countries, the residual fraction from these plants is disposed of in a landfill with few recovery actions. This paper proposes a methodology for estimating the energy content of the aforementioned fraction. To validate it, the methodology is applied to a MBT plant in Zaragoza that collects residual household waste from municipal solid waste (MSW) from 62 municipalities in four regions of Aragon – Zaragoza, Ribera Baja del Ebro, Campo de Cariñena, and Campo de Belchite. From the methodology, an energy potential of 17929.24 kJ/kg of the residual fraction from this MBT plant is estimated, which is equivalent to 100.18 ktoe per year.

► Energy recovery from MSW as a source of renewable energy.
► MBT plants have become an important technology in waste management.
► A methodology for estimating the energy content of the residual fraction.
► The full potential of energy recovery can promote institutional improvements.