Municipal solid waste incineration : a decision maker's guide

Abstract

This report is a tool for preliminary assessment of the feasibility of introducing large-scale incineration plants into the waste management systems of major cities in developing countries. This Guide identifies the most important factors in assessing short- and long-term viability of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. Because MSW plants are capital-intensive and require high maintenance costs and comparatively higher technically trained operators, they are commonly adopted by developed countries. However, they may make MSW incineration beyond the reach of many developing countries. This Guide aims to reduce such mistakes by clarifying some of the basic requirements for a successful incineration plant project. Fulfillment of the key criteria of the Guide does not necessarily mean that a project is feasible. Compliance with the key criteria simply allows the project proposer to proceed with proper feasibility study with limited risks of a negative outcome. Non-compliance with one or more of the mandatory key criteria, however, indicates a significant risk that the project is not institutionally, economically, technically, or environmentally feasible. Therefore, either the project should be redesigned, or the unfulfilled criteria should be studied in depth to clarify their influence on the project viability.