Nondestructive characterization of the contaminated biodegradable fraction of municipal solid waste using synchrotron radiation-induced micro-X-ray fluorescence

► We examined the elemental characteristics of contaminated BFMSW using SR-μXRF. ► Heavy metals tend to be concentrated at the surface of BFMSW shown as “hot-spots”. ► Separate collection of BFMSW with a high affinity for heavy metals was proposed. ► Particles with high metal levels notably contribute to the inter-pollution of MSW. ► SR-μXRF is a powerful tool for exploring inter-contamination behavior in mixed MSW.