Waste-to-Resource value chain optimisation: Combining spatial, chemical and technoeconomic aspects. (1st July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robles, Ivan; O'Dwyer, Edward; Guo, Miao
• Is Part Of: Water research. Volume 178(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01
• Subjects: Resource recovery -- Mathematical optimisation -- GIS spatial Analysis -- OFMSW; Water -- Pollution -- Research -- Periodicals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115842
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0043-1354

Abstract

Abstract: Due to complex composition of carbohydrates, lipid, protein, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, wastewater (WW) and organic fraction municipal solid waste (OFMSW) represent nutrient and carbon rich resources. Conventionally, value chains in the waste sector have considered OFMSW and WW as unwanted by-products as opposed to potential valuable resources. Full exploitation of these resources calls for a value chain transformation towards proactive resource recovery. This study focuses on the waste supply chain optimisation to recover value added products from OFMSW. The research leads to a systems-modelling approach, which integrates spatial data analyses, mathematical mixed integer linear programming (MILP) optimisation and technology performance evaluation to inform the design of waste-to-resource value chains. A UK based study on OFMSW is presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the approach. The study captures variation in OFMSW quantity and composition, incorporating over 600 existing anaerobic digestion (AD) operational plants in the UK, while potential sites for new waste-recovery facilities are identified, accounting for transportation and logistics, using a GIS-based analysis. Key outcomes are analysed (technology type, size, location, logistical connections), placing emphasis on the need to consider the value of the resource recovery potential over the lifetime of an AD or thermochemical treatment facility in the design process. Such an approach offers a promising pathway for tackling the open challenges currently hindering the waste-to-resource transformation. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: An optimisation model is formulated to inform the design of waste-to-resource AD. The value of resource recovery is considered alongside technological considerations. A GIS-based spatial analysis is used to determine locations and resource availability. The approach was applied to the UK case to optimise expansion of existing stock. Large centralised facilities near high population densities tend to be favoured.