Review of refuse-derived fuel as a municipal solid waste treatment in developing Asian Countries: Current conditions and challenges

¹ Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Prof Soedarto, S.H. Street, 50275, Tembalang, Semarang, Indonesia
² Environmental Sustainability Research Group, Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, Prof Soedarto, S.H. Street, 50275, Tembalang, Semarang, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Countries are required to rely on the most cost-effective Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technique. Consequently, utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) as an alternative fuel (AF), such as refuse-derived fuels (RDF), is favored. RDF is the most cost-effective alternative fuel due to its high heating value, making it ideal for developing countries. However, the optimal RDF composition includes a high number of polymers, yet developing countries have high moisture MSW, which may compromise RDF quality. This research seeks to evaluate the recent condition of RDF in developing nations, particularly in Asia. A desktop evaluation of electronic reference sources was conducted to assess RDF feasibility from MSW through a semi-systematic methodology, exploring various aspects and matching recent RDF adoption and challenges in developing Asian countries. According to this review, RDF adoption is increasing in developing countries. However, obstacles remain, such as product shipping costs, waste composition, RDF chlorine content, and limited interest in RDF use. RDF has promise as a WTE technology in emerging Asian nations, but technologies must be enhanced before widespread use.