Review of Refuse-Derived Fuel as a Municipal Solid Waste Treatment in Developing Asian Countries: Current Conditions and Challenges

Abstract

Countries are required to rely on the most cost-effective Waste-to-Energy (WTE) technique. Consequently, utilizing municipal solid waste (MSW) as an alternative fuel (AF), such as refuse-derived fuels (RDF), is favored. RDF is the most cost-effective alternative fuel due to its high heating value, making it ideal for implementation in developing countries. However, the optimal RDF composition includes a high number of polymers, yet, developing countries have a high moisture content of MSW, which may compromise the quality of RDF. This research seeks to evaluate and show the recent condition of RDF in developing nations, particularly in Asia. A desktop evaluation of electronic reference sources was done to assess the implementation of RDF's feasibility and from MSW through a semi-systematic methodology, exploring various aspects uses several articles also comprehensive matching of recent RDF adoption and challenges in developing Asian countries. According to this review, RDF adoption is increasing in developing countries. However, there are certain obstacles to RDF application, such as the expense of product shipping, waste composition, RDF chlorine content, and lack of excitement for RDF use. RDF has immense promise as a WTE technology in emerging Asian nations, but RDF technologies must be enhanced before widespread use.