Municipal Solid Waste Gasification: Technologies, Process Parameters, and Sustainable Valorization of By-Products in a Circular Economy

Abstract

Gasification of municipal solid waste and other biogenic residues (e.g., biomass and biowaste) is increasingly recognized as a promising thermochemical pathway for converting non-recyclable fractions into valuable energy carriers, with applications in electricity generation, district heating, hydrogen production, and synthetic fuels. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of major gasification technologies, including fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained flow, plasma, supercritical water, microwave-assisted, high-temperature steam, and rotary kiln systems. Key aspects such as feedstock compatibility, operating parameters, technology readiness level, and integration within circular economy frameworks are critically evaluated. A comparative assessment of incineration and pyrolysis highlights the environmental and energetic advantages of gasification. The valorization pathways for main product (syngas) and by-products (syngas, ash, tar, and biochar) are also explored, emphasizing their reuse in environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. Despite progress, large-scale adoption in Europe is constrained by economic, legislative, and technical barriers. Future research should prioritize scaling emerging systems, optimizing by-product recovery, and improving integration with carbon capture and circular energy infrastructures. Supported by recent European policy frameworks, gasification is positioned to play a key role in sustainable waste-to-energy strategies, biomass valorization, and the transition to a low-emission economy.