VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“Jnana Sangama”, Belagavi – 560 018.

REPORT ON
“ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE”
Submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of VI Semester

Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Submitted By
JOSHUA MICHEAL L
1CK23AI402

Under the Guidance of

Prof. Monish N V (Asst. Professor Dept. of Civil Engg.)

C BYREGOWDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Approved by AICTE New Delhi, accredited by NAAC with B++ Grade, Recognized
by Govt.
of Karnataka, Affiliated to VTU Belagavi, ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institute
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE LEARNING
Kolar – Srinivaspur Road – 563 101
2025 - 26
 C BYREGOWDA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Approved by AICTE New Delhi, accredited by NAAC with B++
Grade, Recognized by Govt. of Karnataka, Affiliated to VTU Belagavi,
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institute

DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MACHINE

LEARNING
(Kolar-Srinivaspur Road -563101)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Report work entitled “ENERGY RECOVERY FROM
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE” is a bonified work carried out by JOSHUA
MICHEAL L [1CK23AI402] in partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of
Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning of the Visvesvaraya
Technological University, Belagavi during the year 2025-26. It is certified that all
corrections/suggestions indicated for the internal assessment have been
incorporated in the report. The project report has been approved as it satisfies the
academic requirements in respect of Major Project work prescribed for the VI
Semester Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Signature of the Guide

Prof. Monish N V
Asst. Professor,
Dept. of Civil Engg., CBIT

I
 ABSTRACT

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management has become a critical environmental and
public health concern due to rapid urbanization and population growth. Traditional
disposal methods such as landfilling not only consume valuable land but also pose
significant environmental risks, including greenhouse gas emissions and
groundwater contamination. Energy recovery from MSW presents a sustainable
solution by converting waste into useful energy forms such as electricity, heat, or
fuel. This process can be achieved through various technologies, including
incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. These methods not only
reduce the volume of waste but also contribute to renewable energy production,
thereby supporting circular economy principles. This paper/project explores the
potential, technologies, benefits, and challenges associated with energy recovery
from MSW, emphasizing its role in integrated waste management systems and
sustainable urban development.

II
 DECLARATION

I, JOSHUA MICHEAL L [1CK23AI402] student of 6th semester B.E., Artificial

Intelligence and Machine Learning of VTU, declare that this major project report
entitled “ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE”, embodies
the report of the seminar work carried out under the guidance of Prof. Monish N
V, Dept. of Civil Engg., C Byregowda Institute of Technology as partial fulfillment
of the requirement of the award of the degree in Bachelor of Engineering, Artificial
Intelligence and Machine Learning, affiliated to Visvesvaraya Technological
University, Belagavi during academic year 2025-2026. Further the content embodies
in the major project has not been submitted previously by anybody for the award of
any other degree.

Place: Kolar Signature of Student

Date: (JOSHUA MICHEAL L)

III
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The completion of any work is a showcase of constant dedication and co- operation of
many people who lend their hands which went seen or unseen.

We are grateful to our Institution and Management, C. BYREGOWDA INSTITUTE

OF TECHNOLOGY with its ideals and inspirations for having provided us with the
facilities, which has made this, Project a success.

We would like to thank our beloved Principal Dr. S N CHANDRASHEKARA, for his
kind disposition for completing this undertaking successfully.

We would like to thank our Professor and HOD Dr. DEEPIKA LOKESH, Department
of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, for all her support, encouragement,
valuable suggestions and guidance throughout this work.

We extend my gratitude to our Guide Prof. MONISH N V, Assistant Professor,

Department of Civil Engineering, CBIT, for her valuable advice, support and
constructive suggestions.

We also thank to all our professors and the entire department of Artificial Intelligence

and Machine Learning for their co-operation and suggestions.

The report would be incomplete if we do not thank our parents and friends for their
continuous encouragement and moral support.

JOSHUA MICHEAL L [1CK23AI402]

IV
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CERTIFICATE ................................................................................................................ I
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................... II
DECLARATION .............................................................................................................III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................. IV
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................V
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................VI

TOPIC TOPIC NAME PAGE NO.

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MUNICIPAL SOLID
1
WASTE
1.1 Introduction 2
1.2 Methods of Energy Recovery from MSW 3
TOPIC 1 1.3 Benefits of Energy Recovery from MSW 8
1.4 Challenges & Considerations 8
1.5 Global Trends & Future Outlook 8
1.6 Conclusion 9
1.7 References 9

V
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. FIGURE NAME PAGE NO.

Fig 1 Municipal Solid Waste Generation 1

Fig 2 Gasification 3

Fig 3 Pyrolysis Plant 4

Fig 4 Anaerobic Digestion Plant (for Organic Waste) 7

Fig 5 Landfill Gas Recovery Plant 8

VI
 ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
1.1 Introduction: -
Energy recovery from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) involves converting non-
recyclable waste into usable energy—such as electricity, heat, or fuel—through
processes like incineration, gasification, pyrolysis, anaerobic digestion, and
landfill gas capture. This approach supports sustainable waste management by
reducing landfill dependence, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, and
contributing to renewable energy generation.
With rapid urbanization increasing global MSW generation (estimated at 2.3
billion tones/year by 2025), energy recovery offers a dual benefit: waste
reduction and resource efficiency. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants combust MSW
to produce steam for electricity, while gasification and pyrolysis transform waste
into syngas or bio- oil. Anaerobic digestion breaks down organic waste into
biogas, and landfill gas systems capture methane for energy use.
Despite challenges like emissions control, high costs, and public opposition,
advancements in technology and stricter environmental regulations are
improving efficiency. Countries like Sweden and Japan recycle over 50% of their
waste and use WtE for energy security, while developing nations adopt these
methods to tackle waste crises.
Energy recovery aligns with the circular economy, turning waste into a resource
while reducing fossil fuel reliance. As innovations evolve, it promises a cleaner,
more sustainable future for waste management and energy production.

Fig 2: Municipal Solid Waste Generation.

D Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 2024-2025

 ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW

1.2 METHODS OF ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW: -

1. Incineration
2. Gasification
3. Pyrolysis
4. Anaerobic Digestion
5. Landfill Gas Recovery
1. Incineration
Incineration, or Waste-to-Energy (WtE) combustion, is a thermal
process that burns non-recyclable MSW at high temperatures (900–
1,200°C) to generate electricity and heat while reducing waste volume by
~90%. It is one of the most widely used energy recovery methods globally.
 Process Steps
i. Waste Collection & Pre-Treatment
o MSW is sorted to remove recyclables and hazardous materials.
o Large items are shredded for uniform combustion.
ii. Combustion
o Waste is fed into a moving grate furnace, where it burns completely.
o Heat converts water in a boiler into high-pressure steam.
iii. Energy Generation
o Steam drives a turbine-generator to produce electricity.
o Excess heat can be used for district heating (cogeneration).
iv. Flue Gas Treatment
o Pollutants (dioxins, NOx, heavy metals) are removed via scrubbers,
filters, and catalytic converters.
v. Ash Handling
o Bottom ash (20–30% of original waste) is reused in construction.
o Fly ash (toxic) is safely disposed of or treated.
 Output: Electricity and heat (cogeneration possible).
 Advantages: Reduces waste volume by ~90%, efficient energy recovery.
 Challenges: Air pollution control (dioxins, heavy metals), high capital
costs.

D Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
2. Gasification: -
Gasification is an advanced thermal process that converts carbon-
based materials (including MSW) into syngas (CO + H₂) by reacting
waste at high temperatures (700–1,500°C) with a controlled amount of
oxygen. This method is more efficient and cleaner than traditional
incineration.
 Process Steps
i. Feedstock Preparation
o MSW is sorted, shredded, and dried to improve efficiency.
o Non-processable materials (metals, glass) are removed.
ii. Gasification Reactor
o Waste is heated in a low-oxygen environment, breaking it down
into:
 Syngas (CO + H₂) – Primary energy carrier.
 Slag (inert vitrified ash) – Safe for construction use.
o Types of gasifiers:
 Fixed-bed (simple, small-scale).
 Fluidized-bed (efficient, handles mixed waste).
 Plasma gasification (ultra-high temperatures).
iii. Syngas Cleaning
o Impurities (tars, particulates, HCl, sulfur) are removed via
filters and scrubbers.

Fig 3: Gasification
iv. Energy Recovery
o Clean syngas can be used for:
 Electricity generation (gas turbines/engines).
 Biofuel production (methanol, hydrogen, synthetic diesel).
 Industrial heating.
 Output: Syngas can be used for electricity, fuels, or chemicals.
 Advantages: Lower emissions than incineration, flexible fuel production.
 Challenges: Requires pre-processing, sensitive to feedstock quality.

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
3. Pyrolysis: -
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition process that converts
organic materials in MSW into bio-oil, syngas, and biochar by heating
waste in the absence of oxygen (typically at 300–900°C). Unlike
incineration (which burns waste) or gasification (which uses limited
oxygen), pyrolysis operates in an oxygen-free environment, preventing
combustion and reducing harmful emissions.
 Process Steps
i. Feedstock Preparation
o MSW is sorted to remove non-organic materials (metals, glass).
o Waste is dried and shredded to ensure uniform heating.
ii. Pyrolysis Reactor
o Waste is heated in an oxygen-free chamber, breaking down
organic compounds into:
 Bio-oil (liquid)
 Syngas (CO, H₂, CH₄)
 Biochar (solid residue)
iii. Types of Pyrolysis:
o Slow Pyrolysis
o Fast Pyrolysis
o Flash Pyrolysis
 Output: Liquid fuel (bio-oil), gas, and solid residue.
 Advantages: Better for plastics and rubber, lower emissions.
 Challenges: High energy input, complex process.

Fig 4: Pyrolysis Plant

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
4. Anaerobic Digestion (for Organic Waste): -
Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a biological process that breaks down
organic waste (food scraps, agricultural residues, sewage sludge) in an
oxygen-free environment, producing:
 Biogas (60–70% methane, 30–40% CO₂) → Used for heat, electricity, or
vehicle fuel.
 Digestate → Nutrient-rich biofertilizer for agriculture.
 Process Steps
i. Feedstock Preparation
o Waste is shredded and mixed with water (if too dry) to create a slurry.
ii. Digestion Tanks (Reactors)
o Microbes decompose organic matter in four phases:
 Hydrolysis – Complex organics → sugars, amino acids.
 Acidogenesis → Simple compounds → volatile fatty acids.
 Acetogenesis → Fatty acids → acetic acid, H₂, CO₂.
 Methanogenesis →Methane-producing archaea generate
biogas
o Types of Digesters:
 Mesophilic (35–40°C, slower but stable).

 Thermophilic (50–60°C, faster but sensitive).

iii. Biogas Processing & Use
iv. Digestate Management
 Output: Biogas (for electricity/heat) and digestate (fertilizer).
 Advantages: Best for wet organic waste, low emissions.
 Challenges: Slow process, requires waste segregation.

Fig 5: Anaerobic Digestion Plant (for Organic Waste)

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
5. Landfill Gas Recovery
 Landfill Gas (LFG) Recovery captures methane-rich gas emitted from
decomposing organic waste in landfills and converts it into electricity,
heat, or renewable natural gas (RNG). Since methane is a potent
greenhouse gas (25–28× stronger than CO₂), LFG recovery reduces
climate impact while generating energy.
 Process Steps
i. Gas Collection
o Vertical Wells are drilled into the landfill to extract gas (50%
methane, 50% CO₂ + trace compounds).

o Horizontal Pipes collect gas from different layers of waste.

ii. Gas Extraction & Transport
o A vacuum system pulls LFG through a network of pipes to a
central processing facility.
iii. Gas Treatment
o Moisture, siloxanes, and contaminants (H₂S, VOCs) are removed to
protect engines.
iv. Energy Utilization
o On-Site Power: LFG fuels generators (1 million tons of waste ≈ 0.8–1
MW of electricity).
o RNG Injection urified methane is fed into natural gas grids or used as
vehicle fuel (e.g., CNG trucks).
 Output: Biogas (for electricity/heat) and digestate (fertilizer).
 Advantages: Best for wet organic waste, low emissions.
 Challenges: Slow process, requires waste segregation.

Fig 6: Landfill Gas Recovery

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW

1.3 BENEFITS OF ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW: -

1. Waste Reduction – Diverts waste from landfills, reducing environmental
pollution (leachate, methane emissions).

2. Renewable Energy Generation – Provides a reliable energy source,

decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.

3. Greenhouse Gas Mitigation – Lowers methane emissions (a potent GHG)

from landfills and offsets CO₂ from coal/oil-based power.

4. Economic Viability – Creates jobs, reduces landfill costs, and generates

revenue from energy sales.

5. Circular Economy Integration – Complements recycling by processing

residual waste

1.4 CHALLENGES & CONSIDERATIONS: -

1. Emission Control – Requires advanced filtration (e.g., scrubbers, electrostatic
precipitators) to minimize air pollutants (dioxins, NOₓ, particulates).

2. Public Acceptance – Concerns over incinerator emissions and "Not In My

Backyard" (NIMBY) opposition need addressing through transparency and
community engagement.

3. Feedstock Quality – High moisture/organic content can affect efficiency; pre-

treatment (sorting, drying) may be necessary.

1.5 GLOBAL TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK: -

1. Europe & Japan lead in WtE adoption due to limited landfill space.
2. China & India are expanding WtE to tackle urban waste crises.
3. Advanced technologies (plasma gasification, AI-based sorting) are emerging.
4. Policy support (tax incentives, renewable energy credits) drives growth.

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025

ENERGY RECOVERY FROM MSW
1.6 CONCLUSION: -
Energy recovery from municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a sustainable and
efficient solution to address both waste management and energy generation
challenges. By converting non-recyclable waste into electricity, heat, or fuel
through processes like incineration, gasification, or anaerobic digestion, MSW-to-
energy systems reduce landfill dependency, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions,
and contribute to renewable energy targets. While challenges such as
technological costs, emissions control, and public acceptance persist,
advancements in pollution control and circular economy integration (e.g.,
combined heat/power systems and material recovery) enhance viability. When
implemented with stringent environmental safeguards and paired with
recycling/composting, energy recovery from MSW offers a pragmatic pathway
toward decarbonization, resource efficiency, and urban resilience, aligning with
global sustainability goals.

1.7 REFERENCES: -

1. William A Worrell and P. Aarne Veslind Solid Waste Engineering, 2nd

Edition (SI Edition) Cengage Learning, 2012 (ISBN-13: 978-1-4390-6217-3)
2. George Tchobanoglous, Hilary Theisen and Samuel A Vigil, Integrated
Solid Waste management, Tata McGraw Hill
3. Manual on Solid Waste Management, prepared by The Central Public
Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), India
4. MSW Management Rules 2016, Govt. of India, available online at CPCB
website.
5. Electronic Waste Management Rules 2016, Govt. of India, CPCB website.

Dept of AIML-CBIT-KOLAR 8 2024-2025