A Review of the Physical and Chemical Characteristics and Energy-Recovery Potential of Municipal Solid Waste in China

Abstract

The complexity and strong spatial and temporal characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) have made resource utilization a major challenge in establishing the life-cycle model of MSW. Based on the planning of the domestic “dual-carbon” target and the current status of the structural transformation of resource utilization, this paper summarizes the physicochemical properties of MSW in China by component, species, and region. The aim is to identify the physicochemical components of MSW in different regions of China, drawing on the research findings of various scholars. A total of 159 sets of MSW data were collected, including 90 sets of physical composition and 69 sets of elemental composition. These data were used to calculate the calorific value of MSW and determine the energy-recovery and power-generation potentials before and after MSW classification. The analysis estimates the volume of MSW requiring removal in different regions of China in 2021 and assesses the effectiveness of the energy-recovery potential (ERP) and power-generation potential (PGP) before and after MSW classification in these regions. The aim is to offer insightful guidance and recommendations for municipal waste-treatment strategies tailored to the diverse regions of China.