Title: Perspectives of composting and anaerobic digestion technologies for the treatment of organic fraction of municipal solid waste in Europe and Asia

Authors: Ina Körner; Chettiyappan Visvanathan

Addresses: Bioconversion and Emission Control Group, Institute of Environmental Technology and Energy Economics, Hamburg University of Technology, Harburger Schloßstr. 36, 21079 Hamburg, Germany ' Environmental Engineering and Management Program, School of Environment, Resources and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 4, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120, Thailand

Abstract: The development and implementation level of composting and anaerobic digestion technologies for municipal biowaste management in Europe and Asia are different in many aspects. The progress of these technologies generally depends on the lifestyle, waste generation rate, waste characteristics, awareness level, acceptability, market value and other economic factors. In Europe, regulatory directives and stringent environmental policies are the main reasons for the development of these technologies. However, the type and level of implementation differs among the European countries. Although these technologies have very high potential for application in Asia, very few success stories have been reported across the region. This paper compares the major factors influencing technology development and its potential in European and Asian settings.

Keywords: composting; anaerobic digestion; biowaste management; Asia; Europe; organic fraction; municipal solid waste; MSW; solid waste management; technology development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2013.051844

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2013 Vol.11 No.2, pp.193 - 212

Published online: 20 Sep 2014 *

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