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Journals
Processes
Special Issues
Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery
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Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental and Green Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 7234

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Md. Salatul Islam Mozumder

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering & Polymer Science, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
Interests: waste-to-product; polyhydroxyalkanoates; fermentation; biological wastewater treatment; adsorption; membrane technology
Dr. Rajan Kumar Thapa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Process, Energy and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Campus Porsgrunn, University of South-Eastern Norway, Kjølnes 56, 3918 Porsgrunn, Norway
Interests: gasification of biomass and waste; fluidized bed; computational particle fluid dynamics
Dr. Surajbhan Sevda

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Environmental Bioprocess Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Warangal 506004, Telangana, India
Interests: biological wastewater treatment; water reuse; solid waste treatment; microbial fuel cell
Dr. Nabin Aryal

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences and Maritime Sciences, Department of Microsystems, University of Southeast Norway, N-3184 Borre, Norway
Interests: bioelectrochemistry; microbes-material interaction; electrode material; CO2 and gas conversion
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is nowadays considered a renewable resource for energy generation and building blocks for several products. A number of studies have shown the potential of MSW to produce high-value materials. These have focused on either thermochemical technology or biochemical technology. Thermochemical processes include incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, and hydrothermal liquefaction, and biochemical processes include composting, anaerobic digestion, fermentation, etc. Thermochemical technologies have higher conversion efficiency, with almost zero waste generation; on the other hand, biochemical process are greener and sustainable, with low energy demand. There are also some novel processes used to valorise MSW, such as production of bioelectricity, bio-hydrogen, biopesticides, biopolymers, etc. All of these processes have both opportunities and obstacles; some are technically feasible but environmentally and economically unfeasible, and some are economically feasible but environmentally unfeasible.

This Special Issue on “Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery” will explore all the possibilities of using MSW as raw materials to obtain maximum benefits and ensure technical, environmental, and economic viability. We are looking for high-quality works to gather innovative and sustainable solutions to improve the application potentiality of MSW as raw materials.

Prof. Dr. Md. Salatul Islam Mozumder
Dr. Rajan Kumar Thapa
Dr. Surajbhan Sevda
Dr. Nabin Aryal
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Processes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • waste-to-energy technologies
  • life-cycle analysis of MSW
  • application of circular economy to MSW
  • production of new materials from MSW
  • recycling, recovery, and valorisations of waste
  • development of new technology for resource recovery from MSW
  • novel and environmental friendly MSW management systems

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 5599 KiB  
Article
The Valorization of Marble Waste to Synthesize a Novel Calcium Niobate–Magnesium Niobate Composite and an Investigation of Its Thermophysical Properties
by Pedro Guilherme Sousa Passalini, Andrey Escala Alves, Thallis Custódia Cordeiro, Roberto da Trindade Faria, Jr. and José Nilson França Holanda
Processes 2025, 13(4), 1014; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13041014 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Marble waste is produced on a large scale in many countries, resulting in serious pollution problems. This investigation aimed to study the valorization potential of marble waste from the ornamental rock industry used in the synthesis of a novel calcium niobate–magnesium niobate composite [...] Read more.
Marble waste is produced on a large scale in many countries, resulting in serious pollution problems. This investigation aimed to study the valorization potential of marble waste from the ornamental rock industry used in the synthesis of a novel calcium niobate–magnesium niobate composite powder prepared by a solid-state reaction between 1000 °C and 1200 °C. The chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the marble waste were determined. Structural and morphological characterizations of the synthesized calcium niobate–magnesium niobate composite powders were conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermophysical properties were measured using open photoacoustic cell and photothermal techniques. Structurally, at all synthesis temperatures, the calcium niobate–magnesium niobate powders were found to be composed of a complex mixture of CaNb2O6/Ca2Nb2O7/MgNb2O6/CaMg0.33Nb0.67O3. In addition, the calcium niobate–magnesium niobate composite powders exhibited low values of thermal diffusivity (1.88–2.15 × 10−7 m2/s) and thermal conductivity (0.12–0.16 W/mK). The findings of this investigation highlight the potential of marble waste as a promising sustainable source of carbonate for obtaining calcium niobate–magnesium niobate composite powder, which has thermophysical properties that should be explored in low-thermal-conductivity applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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19 pages, 6599 KiB  
Article
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Lead–Zinc-Tailing-Based Geopolymer-Stabilized Aggregates
by Zhengdong Luo, Yuheng Yue, Benben Zhang and Yinghao Chen
Processes 2025, 13(3), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030884 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 294
Abstract
As an innovative inorganic cementitious material, geopolymer holds significant application potential in the field of road engineering. Based on the theoretical basis of industrial solid waste resource utilization and combined with geopolymerization technology, this study investigates the feasibility of applying lead–zinc-tailing-based geopolymer–stabilized aggregate [...] Read more.
As an innovative inorganic cementitious material, geopolymer holds significant application potential in the field of road engineering. Based on the theoretical basis of industrial solid waste resource utilization and combined with geopolymerization technology, this study investigates the feasibility of applying lead–zinc-tailing-based geopolymer–stabilized aggregate (LZT-GSA) in road engineering through systematic mechanical property tests, durability assessment, and microstructural characterization. The study focuses on the influence of cementitious material admixture on the unconfined compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, compressive resilient modulus, drying shrinkage, and freeze–thaw cycle resistance of LZT-GSA. The experimental results demonstrated that LZT-GSA exhibited excellent properties in terms of mechanical performance and durability, which were remarkably better than those of conventional cement-stabilized aggregates (CSA). However, the incorporation of a small amount of lead–zinc tailing alone can weaken the mechanical properties of CSA. The drying shrinkage of LZT-GSA was slightly higher than that of CSA due to the difference in the intrinsic reaction mechanism between LZT-GSA and CSA. The effective cementing and wrapping effect of geopolymer gel on discrete aggregate dramatically improves the structural compactness of LZT-GSA. The leaching concentration of heavy metals in LZT-GSA is far below the requirements of environmental protection standards. These research results not only provide theoretical support for the resource utilization of lead–zinc tailings, but also lay a technical foundation for its practical application in road engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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12 pages, 3243 KiB  
Article
Potential Use of the Fungus Trichoderma sp. as a Plastic-Reducing Agent and Electricity Generator in Microbial Fuel Cells
by Rojas-Flores Segundo, Pimentel-Castillo Rocío, Cabanillas-Chirinos Luis and Luis M. Angelats Silva
Processes 2024, 12(12), 2904; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122904 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1143
Abstract
The mismanagement of plastic waste, organic waste, and the shortage of electricity in remote villages has created significant challenges for industries and governments. Therefore, this research aims to utilize the fungus Trichoderma sp. as a catalyst in microbial fuel cells, where the novelty [...] Read more.
The mismanagement of plastic waste, organic waste, and the shortage of electricity in remote villages has created significant challenges for industries and governments. Therefore, this research aims to utilize the fungus Trichoderma sp. as a catalyst in microbial fuel cells, where the novelty of the research is the generation of electricity and the degradation of plastic simultaneously. In this study, single-chamber microbial fuel cells were constructed using carbon (anode) and zinc (cathode) electrodes. The substrate consisted of 20 gr of potato waste and 1.5 × 1.5 cm samples of plastic waste, all combined in 390 mL of Bushnell broth, into which Trichoderma sp. was inoculated. The highest electrical readings were recorded on day 23, showing values of 5.648 ± 0.093 mA and 0.479 ± 0.025 V. On the same day, the pH level was measured at 7.046 ± 0.314, and the substrate’s electrical conductivity was found to be 155.135 ± 2.569 mS/cm. Over the 45-day monitoring period, the chemical oxygen demand decreased by 78.67%. The microbial fuel cells achieved a maximum power density of 68.140 ± 2.418 mW/cm2 at a current density of 4.719 mA/cm2, with an internal resistance of 23.647 ± 1.514 Ω. Analysis of the plastic using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) revealed a decrease in the intensity of spectral bands associated with hydroxyl groups, C-H structural groups, methyl groups, and C=C bonds. Additionally, SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) images demonstrated a reduction in the thickness of the plastic film and the formation of voids and sheets, highlighting the potential of Trichoderma sp. for plastic degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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15 pages, 2941 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Assessment of Agro-Waste for Biogas Production Based on Novel Methodology Related to Biochemical Potential
by Martina Balać, Bojan Janković and Nebojša Manić
Processes 2024, 12(11), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12112440 - 5 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1284
Abstract
Agricultural and waste biomasses present viable solutions for utilization in the energy sector, achieving sustainable and long-term transformation into energy and fuel. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the competing applications for these feedstocks, considering both short- and long-term stability. Biomass for [...] Read more.
Agricultural and waste biomasses present viable solutions for utilization in the energy sector, achieving sustainable and long-term transformation into energy and fuel. However, it is important to carefully evaluate the competing applications for these feedstocks, considering both short- and long-term stability. Biomass for biogas production in agriculture and waste management is used due to its availability and ease of handling. Considering everything mentioned, evaluating the most suitable raw materials for biogas production is crucial for meeting sustainability criteria and promoting biomass as an energy source. In this paper, an examination of different biomass sources as possible feedstock to produce biogas by applying a theoretical approach to the proximate and final analysis results of those materials is presented. Based on data from the raw material analysis, the theoretical biochemical methane potential (TBMP) for the considered samples was calculated. Furthermore, the mass and energy balance for the case study biogas plant was also performed. According to the obtained results, the considered feedstocks show the validity of their use for biogas production considering the fulfillment of the raw material minimum quantity, mandatory residue arrangement, and achieving higher efficiency of the energy conversion process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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26 pages, 4413 KiB  
Article
Waste-to-Energy Processes as a Municipality-Level Waste Management Strategy: A Case Study of Kočevje, Slovenia
by Vladimir Prebilič, Matic Može and Iztok Golobič
Processes 2024, 12(5), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12051010 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1435
Abstract
The escalating challenge of waste management demands innovative strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and harness valuable resources. This study investigates waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies for municipal waste management in Kočevje, Slovenia. An analysis of available waste streams reveals substantial energy potential from mixed municipal [...] Read more.
The escalating challenge of waste management demands innovative strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and harness valuable resources. This study investigates waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies for municipal waste management in Kočevje, Slovenia. An analysis of available waste streams reveals substantial energy potential from mixed municipal waste, biodegradable waste, and livestock manure. Various WtE technologies, including incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion, are compared. The results show that processing mixed municipal waste using thermochemical processes could annually yield up to 0.98 GWh of electricity, and, separately, 3.22 GWh of useable waste heat for district heating or industrial applications. Furthermore, by treating 90% of the biodegradable waste, up to 1.31 GWh of electricity and 1.76 GWh of usable waste heat could be generated annually from biodegradable municipal waste and livestock manure using anaerobic digestion and biogas combustion in a combined heat and power facility. Gasification coupled with a gas-turbine-based combined heat and power cycle is suggested as optimal. Integration of WtE technologies could yield 2.29 GWh of electricity and 3.55 GWh of useable waste heat annually, representing an annual exergy yield of 2.98 GWh. Within the Kočevje municipality, this amount of energy could cover 23.6% of the annual household electricity needs and cover the annual space and water heating requirements of 10.0% of households with district heating. Additionally, CO2-eq. emissions could be reduced by up to 20%, while further offsetting emissions associated with electricity and district heat generation by 1907 tons annually. These findings highlight the potential of WtE technologies to enhance municipal self-sustainability and reduce landfill waste. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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14 pages, 7391 KiB  
Article
Activation of Low-Quality Coal Gangue Using Suspension Calcination for the Preparation of High-Performance Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials: A Pilot Study
by Hongbo Zhang, Shaowu Jiu, Qianwen Gao, Sijun Zhao, Yanxin Chen, Feng Cheng, Ding Han, Ruihong Shi, Kaixin Yuan, Jiacheng Li, Yuxin Li, Zichun Wang and Bo Zhao
Processes 2024, 12(3), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12030550 - 11 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1461
Abstract
Although the calcination-based activation of coal gangue is important for its valorization in the form of cementitious materials, the related works mainly focus on high-quality coal gangue, neglecting its low-quality counterpart. To bridge this gap, we herein conducted the pilot-scale suspension calcination of [...] Read more.
Although the calcination-based activation of coal gangue is important for its valorization in the form of cementitious materials, the related works mainly focus on high-quality coal gangue, neglecting its low-quality counterpart. To bridge this gap, we herein conducted the pilot-scale suspension calcination of low-quality coal gangue; explored the effects of calcination temperature, particle size, and O2 content on the phase composition of the calcined product, kaolinite decomposition, decarbonization, and silica/alumina dissolution; and evaluated calcination-product-based cementitious materials. Under optimal conditions (temperature = 875–900 °C; particle size = 39.71–46.84 μm; and O2 content = 12–14%), the carbon content of the calcined product equaled 1.24–1.87 wt%, and the dissolution rates of activated alumina and silica were 77.6–79.5% and 49.4–51.1%, respectively. The 28 d compressive strength (50.8–55.7 MPa) and true activity index (98.8–108.4%) of the cementitious material prepared at a calcination product dosage of 30–38 wt% met the standard of 42.5 grade cement. This study demonstrated the suitability of suspension calcination for the preparation of high-performance low-carbon cementitious materials from low-quality coal gangue, thus providing a basis for further industrialization and technological development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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Review

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27 pages, 3129 KiB  
Review
Spent Lithium Battery Recycling: Traditional and Innovative Approaches
by Carmen Lo Sardo, Giuseppina Cacciatore, Gregorio Cappuccino, Donatella Aiello and Anna Napoli
Processes 2025, 13(4), 950; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13040950 - 23 Mar 2025
Viewed by 899
Abstract
Lithium battery recycling has become a crucial research area due to its important role in environmental sustainability. Lithium batteries are the most widely used energy storage devices, due to their high-performance properties. They have a wide range of applications, and their use is [...] Read more.
Lithium battery recycling has become a crucial research area due to its important role in environmental sustainability. Lithium batteries are the most widely used energy storage devices, due to their high-performance properties. They have a wide range of applications, and their use is expected to increase, suggesting an escalation in their production and in the generation of spent batteries. Environmental risks and the limited availability of raw materials are the main concerns leading to the need for the proper treatment of end-of-life batteries. This review summarizes the main approaches studied and applied for battery recycling. It provides a comprehensive description of traditional approaches such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, which are effective in metal recovery but with limitations related to environmental pollution. Innovative processes, such as bioleaching, mechanochemistry and direct recycling, are also explored, and their benefits and drawbacks are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Municipal Solid Waste for Energy Production and Resource Recovery)
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