Although a number of resource recovery from refuse programs have been effective, the quality of the products recovered could be enhanced to improve their marketability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of known processes that could improve the quality of the fuels or other products derived from the organic fraction in refuse. Possible processes for improving the quality of products from the organic fraction derived from municipal solid waste (MSW) were determined, and descriptions were developed for each process. An analytical framework for technical and economic assessment was developed to serve as a guide for analysis. Major thermal and chemical processes used in the pulp and paper, wood, textile, and resource recovery industries were identified. This study concentrated on those processes designed to produce a carbon char, a powdered fuel, and liquid and gaseous fuels from the municipal solid waste. The chemical and thermal treatments of most interest were the Worcester Polytechnic's hydrogenation-liquefaction process, Wright-Malta's steam injection pyrolysis process, and cellulose embrittlement. Basic requirements were defined for producing a fine powdered fuel from the organic faction of MSW. More quantitative measurements of the embrittlement process parameters are recomended.

"August 1978." "Grant No. R-804421-01." "Project Officer Albert Klee, Solid and Hazardous Waste Research Division." Includes bibliographical references (pages 68-109).