Characterization and energy potential evaluation of urban municipal solid waste of Pakistan

Determining the physical and chemical characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) aids in assessing the potential environmental impacts of any waste management initiative. The study aimed to determine the basic physical and chemical characteristics of urban MSW from two Pakistani megacities (Lahore and Rawalpindi). Physical, proximate, and ultimate micronutrient analyses, as well as an energy potential analysis, were performed on the sampled MSW. Physically, there was 65-70% biogenic content and 40-53% moisture content. Elemental contents were found to be carbon (38-48%) > oxygen (18-21%) > hydrogen (4-4.3%) > nitrogen (0.5-0.9%) > sulfur (0.4-0.8%). Carbohydrates are the most abundant (32-37%) micronutrients. The combustible fraction of waste has a high calorific value, an indication of its energy potential. The MSW generated by Rawalpindi (880 tons per day) and Lahore (6100 tons per day) was found to be suitable for energy production of 6213 and 40,897 MWh, respectively. The MSW of Rawalpindi and Lahore can generate 49 MW per day and 341 MW per day of electricity, respectively. MSW has the potential to be a valuable renewable energy source for Pakistan if appropriate policies and waste management technologies (such as thermochemical treatments and biochemical treatments) are implemented.