What is removed from waste in refuse derived fuel plants?

In refuse derived fuel (RDF) plants, the primary focus is on removing non-combustibles from the waste stream. Non-combustibles are materials that do not burn effectively or produce energy when incinerated, such as metals, glass, and certain types of plastics. By extracting these materials, RDF plants enhance the calorific value of the remaining combustible fraction of the waste. This process allows for a more efficient combustion process, resulting in cleaner energy production and reducing the volume of waste that needs to be landfilled.

The goal of RDF production is to convert municipal solid waste into a more homogeneous and energy-rich fuel source that can be used in power generation and industrial applications. Therefore, the removal of non-combustibles is crucial in achieving this objective, as it ensures that what remains is primarily made up of materials that can contribute to energy generation.