Alternative stabilisation options of mechanically sorted organic fraction from municipal solid waste prior to landfill disposal

In order to foresee the measures of the Directive 1999/31/EC, waste management policies are focused on the reduction of organic matter landfill disposal, through the recovering of the organic waste stream or the pre-treatment of residual wastes before landfilling. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of possible stabilisation treatments of the mechanically sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste, to identify the most suitable management action, with regard to landfilling impacts. Experimental results demonstrate that chemical treatment of organic residue provides only temporary stabilisation, while anaerobic digestion treatment represent an interesting option thanks to its energetic and environmental benefits.