The Importance Of Waste Characterisation Testing

One of the key themes we regularly tackle is how little is understood about Mixed Residual Waste (MRW).

Black bag solid waste characterisation

As greater global focus is placed on reducing carbon emissions and political leaders set new goals – such as the 2042 deadline to halve the residual waste sent to landfill and EfW in the UK – this waste stream is starting to come to the fore. Not just as a priority that needs urgent attention, but also because it’s a waste stream that, with the right approach and treatment, can be turned into a valuable commodity as Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF).

The value of SRF

SRF has the power to reduce our reliance on carbon emitting coal. For every tonne of SRF produced by our technology, we’re able to replace ½ tonne of coal. For industries such as cement production, which is one of the most energy intensive in the world, this makes compelling commercial sense. SRF provides a highly cost effective way to reduce their emissions and costs.

So, how can we turn MRW into SRF and reduce the world’s reliance on coal? The answer lies in first understanding what’s in the bin.

What’s in the bin?

To begin the process of maximising profit, reducing disposal fees and decreasing carbon emissions with biotechnology, it’s important to know exactly what makes up your MRW.
It’s only by understanding your MRW that we can be sure our biotechnology will deliver significant cost and carbon results and that it will achieve the quality of SRF that offtakers require.

This stage is crucial because MRW is not homogenous, unlike more traditional fuels. Depending on the day of the week and the behaviours of those generating the waste, the composition of MRW differs. It is a heterogeneous material.

As SRF offtakers demand high quality, consistent SRF we need to understand the composition of the waste entering the process and match it with the right bio stimulants. This is how we ensure the process creates a homogenous and consistent floc that meets the standards of SRF offtakers.

We always undertake a full and rigorous waste characterisation study before a client embarks on using biotechnology.

The Testing Process

To assess the suitability of waste accurately – we collect a number of samples on different days. As an example, the process to characterise the waste of a mid-sized waste handler would involve the collection of approximately 500 litres of waste, before sending it to a UCAS accredited laboratory for analysis.

The waste characterisation process looks at several key factors – these are the moisture content of the waste, the proportion and type of organic matter it contains, the level of carbon and nitrogen within it and the presence of heavy metals and chlorine.

These specific factors are addressed for a number of key reasons. We need the right moisture and organic matter levels for our technology to be effective at mass and volume reduction. We also look specifically at the presence of heavy metals and chlorine because, if levels are too high, this can render floc unsuitable for use as SRF in heavy-industry.

Using The Findings

Once the waste characterisation analysis shows there is sufficient moisture and organic matter in the waste and that chlorine levels are safe, we can proceed.

At this stage we focus on detailed calibration of our technology and choosing the right blend of bacteria and biostimulants to ensure the rapid digestion of the waste. We can also establish how much our biotechnology will reduce the mass and volume of waste, as well as the tonnage of SRF that will be created.

It’s only with this rigorous upfront analysis that we can demonstrate the true cost and carbon savings that will be achieved by turning MRW into a very valuable commodity.

To unlock the full potential of your waste – book a free waste characterisation consultation book a free waste characterisation consultation.