Title: Evaluation of resource recovery through a Waste-to-Energy plant operating with municipal solid waste

Authors: William E. Roper, Carl Newby

Addresses: George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 6C3, Suite B207 Townhouse Complex, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, USA. ' General Services Division, Department of Environmental Services, Arlington County 1400 N. Uhle Street Suite 601, Arlington, VA 22201, USA

Abstract: On 1 December 1984, an inter-local joint enterprise agreement was entered into between the Alexandria Sanitation Authority and the Arlington Solid Waste Authority (the |Authorities|). The Joint Enterprise was formed to design, construct, equip, test and operate a solid waste to energy facility having an installed capacity of 975 tons per day of mixed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Alexandria/Arlington plant has had high availability rates (92–96%); the last three years. The Alexandria/Arlington plant also produces enough electricity to power the plant itself and over 20,000 homes. The use of a Waste to Energy disposal system coupled with strong recycling programs has resulted in positive environmental impacts compared to traditional landfill disposal. It also has resulted in significant electrical energy generation.

Keywords: WTE; waste-to-energy; municipal solid waste; recycling; incineration; electric power generation; solid waste management; sustainability; sustainable development; energy recovery; waste reduction; resource recovery; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2010.032536

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.13 No.1, pp.96 - 112

Published online: 06 Apr 2010 *

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