Potential of municipal solid waste, as renewable energy source : a case study of Arusha, Tanzania.

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Date
2014-06Author
Omari, Arthur
Kichonge, Baraka
John, Geoffrey
Njau, Karoli
Mtui, Peter
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This paper presents the study of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a potential source of renewable energy in Arusha
city. The city of Arusha annual average MSW generated was estimated at 43,772 tonnes. Characterization revealed
the main components of MSW to compose of biomass materials such as food, paper and wood waste. Based on the
characteristics of the MSW, evaluation was conducted to determine energy potential that would be recovered.
Results from proximate analysis of MSW samples showed average calorific value of about 12MJ/kg which indicate
annual energy potential of 128.9 GWh. Results indicate there is a substantial energy potential to recover from MSW
the largest share being renewable energy. The composition of waste from developing and developed countries was
further compared with that of Arusha city. Results indicated that in developing countries characteristics of MSW is
mainly composed of food waste as was the case of Arusha city.