An exploration of automotive shredder residue recovery as fuel in Taiwan

The number of cars in Taiwan over the past ten years has increased as the economy grew. Approximately 40-60 thousand tons of automotive shredder residue (ASR) is produced annually from end-of-life vehicles. Since Taiwan has high population density and small area, disposing of ASR in landfills or burning it at incinerators causes substantial environmental impacts. This study analyzed physical and chemical properties of ASR produced from five Taiwanese shredding plants to explore the viability of recovering ASR as fuel, rather than sending ASR to landfills and incinerators. Results indicated that ASR had 68.97-83.47% combustible content, 95% of which was polymers, foam, and fiber. Major combustible elements were identified as 60% carbon; 10% hydrogen and oxygen; and less than 4% nitrogen, sulfur, and chlorine. ASR proved to be a recoverable waste commodity in Taiwan, with low moisture content and high heat value (6581-7246kcal/kg). Heavy metal levels complied with local regulations. Results suggested Taiwan's ASR was a solid waste resource with high heat value worth being recovered as refuse-derived fuel.