Organic Fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW): extent of biodegradation

Municipal solid waste (MSW) consists of several fractions which respond differently to biological degradation when they are discharged into the environment or in a landfill. This paper discusses the results of experiments and suggests the reasons why individual fractions are more or less biodegradable. The degree of intrinsic biodegradability of each single organic fraction of MSW was calculated using a respirometric method (Sturm Method). This method allows kinetic interpretation of the biodegradation process. The research carried out showed that recycled paperboard was the most biodegradable component, and that polyethylene was the least biodegradable.