Odour Emissions Characterization and Control as a Strategic Tool for the Sustainable Management of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW)

Abstract

The continuous increase in the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) worldwide represents a major challenge for global sustainability efforts. In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the circular economy, it is essential to manage MSW involving environmental aspects that require careful control to prevent potential environmental impacts. Among the MSW, the organic fraction stands out as a highly fermentable mixed matrix that demands special attention due to the quantities produced and the different management phases it undergoes, including collection, transportation, and treatment. In particular, the collection phase emerges as a linchpin for the overall success of waste management assessment. Various methodologies for the collection of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) are currently employed, with door-to-door collection being a prevalent approach in many European countries. This method includes the specific collection of the organic fraction, strategically placed in designated surface or underground containers. The time and modalities of organizing the collection of the organic fraction are not universally defined but rather determined by the collection service operator. In Italian regulations, the only indication is that the collected waste must be delivered to the treatment plant within 72 hours of collection, emphasizing the urgency and efficiency required in waste management operations. Notably, one of the primary environmental pressures linked to the management of the OFMSW is the production of odorous emissions, which can significantly impact the surrounding environment and community well-being. The research presents and discusses the variation in time of the odour emissions of the OFMSW, aiming to quantify the potential odour production occurring between the collection phase of the OFMSW and their delivery to the plant and therefore provides a useful tool to reduce potential odour impacts and direct towards suitable management strategies. Intensive experimental activities were conducted, considering different samples of OFMSW. Characterization of the principal chemical-physical parameters and odour concentration at different times of the investigated OFMSW were performed. Statistical studies, applying multivariate analysis techniques, were conducted to identify potential correlations between the investigated parameters. Preliminary results indicate a notable increasing trend in odour concentration over time, with an inverse correlation between odour concentration and humidity and a direct correlation with temperature. The research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing odour production in the management of OFMSW.