Review of Comparative Energy Use in Materials Potentially Recoverable from Municipal Solid Waste

摘要

This study reviews published literature on the energy savings that might be realized from manufacturing four materials present in municipal solid waste (MSW), using recycled rather than virgin materials. The four materials examined are glass, paper, steel, and aluminum. An attempt is made to assess this energy savings, reported by diverse sources, on a consistent basis or at least by pointing out the conceptual bases on which the results were obtained. The review indicates that significant savings in manufacturing energy are achievable for aluminum, steel, glass, and certain grades of paper. These materials are all potentially recoverable from the MSW stream, but must be of a purity and in a form acceptable to the respective industries for reuse in manufacturing.