Author(s)

V. Belgiorno & D. Panza

Abstract

The paper discusses the incomplete and debatable integrated municipal solid waste management (MSW) system adopted in Campania Region, Southern Italy, with regard to characterization and disposal of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) and Stabilized Organic Fraction (SOF). The integrated management system planned in Campania was characterized by a source-separated collection of 35% of the total MSW production and the treatment of the restwaste in MBT (Mechanical Biological Treatment) plants in order to obtain RDF, metals and SOF. Currently seven RDF/Biostabilization plants have been working, while the three expected thermal treatment plants are under construction yet. The MBT plants have the same productive cycle. Owing to scant source-separated collection as well as MBT plants inefficiency, RDF quality was inadequate, according to Italian regulation limits. Moreover, the produced RDF bales are stored in several regional sites: this temporary solution is very dangerous due to the risk of contamination and accidental burning. SOF is disposed of in worked-out quarries equipped like sanitary landfills, due to its poor quality. Keywords: integrated municipal solid waste management system, refuse derived fuel, stabilized organic fraction. 1 Introduction European and Italian regulations propose an integrated approach for waste management based on four hierarchical levels: (1) reduction of solid waste production, (2) recovery of material, (3) recovery of energy and (4) landfill disposal. Besides, the European Council Directive on the Landfill of Wastes 1999/31/EC provides the reduction of landfilled biowaste to 35% of the amount produced in 1995 within 2016.

Keywords

integrated municipal solid waste management system, refuse derived fuel, stabilized organic fraction.