Analysis of the Efficiency and Environmental Impact of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration as a Tool for Sustainability Development in Kazakhstan

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal is one of the areas of sustainability development of modern countries including the Republic of Kazakhstan. Annually, more than 4 million tons of MSW are generated, and this amount continues to grow. Additionally, approximately 120 million tons of waste have already accumulated in landfills across the country. It is essential to select an MSW disposal technology that is environmentally friendly, minimizes the generation of more hazardous waste, and maximizes energy efficiency. Ideally, the technology should not only reduce energy consumption but also generate energy and valuable by-products that have market demand. The aim of this study is to conduct experimental research to evaluate the efficiency and environmental impact of incinerating both unsorted and sorted municipal solid waste. As a result of the experiment, the volumes of flue gases and the concentrations of harmful substances produced by the combustion of both unsorted and sorted waste were determined. Additionally, an analysis of the slag and ash generated from the combustion of sorted MSW was conducted. The obtained results enable the development of a waste-free technological scheme for a plant designed for the complete utilization of municipal solid waste.