Renewable and sustainable energy resources are the dire need of time for environmental sustainability and to minimize the effects of global warming and climate change. Exploring new ways to create clean energy from everyday waste, researchers have turned to municipal solid waste as a potential source for renewable power. This investigation responds to the urgent need for sustainable energy options and provides a productive approach to handling waste. Professor Abu Md Mehdi Hassan from Bangladesh , PhD student of Lincoln University College, Malaysia  led the research team, joined by Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Abdullah Al-Mansur, Ripaj Uddin, Dr. Sultan Alsufyani, Dr. Farzana Yasmin, and Professor Mayeen Khandaker. Their study, recently published in the Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, suggests that municipal solid waste could indeed be transformed into a valuable source of energy if prepared effectively for this purpose​.

The team focused on waste samples gathered from Chattogram City, Bangladesh, to evaluate their potential for energy use. Through a series of detailed examinations, the researchers identified that  much of this waste is composed of organic materials and hydrocarbons, which are fundamental  for energy production. Only moderate amounts of elements like nitrogen and sulfur were found, making this waste relatively clean in terms of emissions. “Municipal solid waste presents a valuable opportunity for renewable energy production,” commented Professor Hassan. Nevertheless, high levels of ash and moisture in the waste require initial treatment, such as separation and drying, to make the waste efficient for energy generation​.

Probing deeper into the waste samples, the analysis showed a large amount of materials that don’t burn, highlighting the need for extra purification steps to improve the quality of the combustible portion. Further investigation confirmed that there are significant levels of carbon and hydrogen—key elements needed for producing energy—while sulfur and nitrogen levels remain low, meaning fewer harmful gases would be released when used as fuel. When examined with infrared light, the waste revealed various hydrocarbons and useful organic compounds, supporting the case for using this waste as an alternative fuel source. In addition, heating analysis indicated that, with controlled heating, it’s possible to extract energy-rich components effectively, making energy production more efficient​.

This research points to a meaningful path forward for cities looking to reduce landfill waste while addressing growing energy needs. Professor Hassan emphasized, “To address the dual challenges of waste management and clean energy production, a sustainable framework for handling municipal solid waste at the household level could transform waste from a burden into a valuable resource.” The team also highlights the importance of community participation, as waste sorting practices would increase the quality of materials intended for energy production.

By converting municipal waste into a viable energy source, urban areas could benefit greatly while also reducing waste-related issues. The study’s findings lay valuable groundwork for future facilities that might convert waste into energy, particularly in cities facing rapid population growth and limited space for waste disposal​.

Journal Reference

Hassan, A. M. M., Asif, M., Al-Mansur, M. A., Uddin, M. R., Alsufyani, S. J., Yasmin, F., & Khandaker, M. U. “Characterization of municipal solid waste for effective utilization as an alternative source for clean energy production.” Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrras.2023.100683

About the Author

Professor Abu Md Mehdi Hassan is a renowned physicist specializing in Energy Technology. He developed a passion for science at an early age, leading her to earn a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Physics from University of Chittagong, Bangladesh, and eventually become a Professor of Physics at the Directorate of Secondary and Higher Education in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
He has become known for her engaging teaching style and innovative research on energy technology and its implications on environment. With over 6 published papers, his work bridges theoretical concepts and practical applications, particularly in Biomass energy conversion.
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