Generation of Electrical Energy from Urban Solid Waste

Abstract

The increasing production of urban solid waste (USW) has become a challenge for public administrations due to population growth. The effective implementation of a recycling system faces various obstacles associated with the population's level of development, habits, and economic situation, as well as the availability of suitable technologies and infrastructure. The treatment and final disposal of USW are crucial management stages, determining not only the destiny of these waste materials but also their impacts. The persistence of open dumps in urban areas and their influence on health and the environment are significant concerns. When properly managed, these wastes can be a viable source of electrical energy, whether through incineration or anaerobic digestion, for instance.This study, conducted as a review between May and October 2023, selected five articles in portuguese published between 2007 and 2016 based on specific analysis criteria. Its objective is to elucidate the issues in USW management in Brazil, the forms of treatment, final disposal, and methods of energy recovery for electricity generation. Information retrieval was carried out on Google Scholar, Scielo, and websites such as the Ministério do Meio Ambiente. The National Solid Waste Policy aims to promote sustainable practices in production and final disposal; however, there is a need to increase investments in research, infrastructure, and training to harness the energy potential of USW. In 2022, only 6% of these wastes were treated as an energy source, while over 29 thousand tons were destined for controlled landfills and open dumps.