Investigation of Regional Differences in the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste in Hungary

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management is crucial in terms of the environment, sustainability and the circular economy. The directly landfilled organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) offers a lot of potential with regard to energy recovery or as a soil substrate. In this study, the regional differences in Hungary according to various living structures and conditions (villages and urban areas) were demonstrated to provide a foundation for further usage or treatment. The fact that the biological fraction (leaves, kitchen waste and fine soil-like material) of OFMSW from typically urban areas like the examined city of Pécs is larger than in a rural area, e.g. Marcali District, was highlighted. On the other hand, the OFMSW from rural areas contains more hazardous materials such as medicinal ampoules due to the lack of possibilities to dispose of them suitably. After evaluating the composition of the OFMSW, the directly landfilled quantity of MSW could be further reduced. In conclusion, according to the high proportions of plastic and paper as well as its promising heating value, the largest particle size fraction (>4 cm) could be utilized as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and the finer, organic material-rich fraction as a soil substitute following further purification.