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Project title

Valorisation Alternatives to Landfill for Organic Residues.

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Southern Waste Region

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University (DCU)

Lead Applicant

Brian Kelleher

Project Abstract

Bio-stabilised residual waste (BSRW) refers to the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMRW) that has been composted to achieve a stability standard prior to landfilling. At present, BSRW is legally regarded as a waste and under current legislation can only be disposed of in landfills or by incineration. However, European targets set for 2030 will require an increased diversion of waste from landfill. This project will investigate and assess potential recovery processes for the OFMRW and formulate strategies to minimise its disposal to landfill. We will fully diagnose the recovery options for municipal residual waste and validate their use by measuring potential benefits and environmental risks. Options that will be investigated include the transformation to high quality compost, biogas and biofuel. We aim to fill important knowledge gaps in relation to the environmental uncertainty of using bio-stabilized residual waste and digestates from OFMRW and validate the use of these materials as added value products. In this way we will improve the sustainability of Irish waste management systems and enhance economic and environmental gains. The output from compost facilities that treat mixed municipal waste is currently sent to landfill. If this project achieves its objectives the output becomes a commercially viable material for sale. Developing the expertise to produce valuable products from biodegradable waste would assist in further development of waste treatment in Ireland and contribute to national (Landfill Directive) and international responsibilities (e.g. climate). We will develop viable and novel methodologies to reuse OFMSW, BSRW and digestates and choose the most suitable processes for different waste streams. The risks and benefits of reuse processes will be determined, and we will define end-of-waste criteria and inform policy. Furthermore, this project will deliver a revision of current pre-processing and sorting techniques and their efficiency to address the increasing concern of plastic contamination derived from waste. We will investigate plastic content and fate of additives such as phthalates in municipal solid waste, so these materials can be used as commercially viable products. There is great potential to export these new products (Enrich currently composts waste in Abu Dhabi) and to sell to the Irish market. Findings from the proposal will be widely disseminated and made accessible to stakeholders, waste management facilities and the public.

Grant Approved

�244,246.43

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Resource efficiency

Start Date

01/03/2019

Initial Projected Completion Date

28/02/2021