An assessment of energy recovery methods applicable to domestic refuse disposal

Any recycled material for re-use must be competitive in both quality and cost when compared with virgin raw materials. In the case of domestic refuse these two constraints mean that direct recycling for materials re-use is very restricted and indirect uses are sought instead. One major area of indirect recycling is energy recovery. This paper presents economic analyses performed on a net energy output basis for incineration for both heat and electrical energy production and also for gas production by pyrolysis. Acid hydrolysis of refuse for the production of ethyl alcohol or protein is also presented and analysed in detail since by this means finite oil reserves are conserved. An economic case is made for further work in this area as it is shown to be the only refuse recycling process with the potential to accomplish both refuse disposal and energy recovery at costs substantially less than straight incineration.