Municipal solid waste — incineration, air pollution control and ash management

The purpose of this paper is to provide background information about municipal solid waste incineration. It was written as a technology summary for the GVRD (Greater Vancouver Regional District) as part of a major solid waste management plan review, and takes several references to the so-called Burnaby unit which is located there. While some of the comments may be specific to that area, the principles drawn on in discussing them are general, so the GVRD experience, where it is referenced may be considered a case study. The paper is not intended to be an all encompassing review of the very large number of specific technologies which are available in the market place. Such reviews are provided by, e.g., Brunner, Popperman and in previous work performed by the GVRD prior to tendering of the Burnaby incinerator. This section focusses on the major technological options available, explaining each so as to provide a context for discussion of the future applicability of various options and their environmental and economic impact.(DBO)