Anaerobic digestion of mechanically treated OFMSW: Experimental data on biogas/methane production and residues characterization

► Anaerobic digestion (AD) tests on mechanically treated OFMSW (liquid fraction) were carried out. ► AD tests without inocula (to simplify Low procedures) showed low biogas and methane productions. ► AD results showed it is necessary to dilute and to inoculate the substrate and to control pH. ► The disposal in a landfill of the mechanically treated OFMSW (solid fraction) was investigated. ► The solid fraction should be disposed of in a landfill reducing Dissolved Organic Carbon. One of the more promising processes for the energetic transformation of waste is the anaerobic digestion of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW). An experimental campaign was carried out on three different samples of OFMSW from Waste Separation (WS), one as received and two obtained after mechanical treatment (squeezing): OFMSW slurry (liquid fraction) and OFMSW Waste (residual solid fraction). Anaerobic Biogasification Potential (ABP) and anaerobic digestion tests (AD) were carried out, investigating the effects of inoculum and pH. The OFMSW Waste was also examined to evaluate the possibility to dispose of it in a landfill. Results showed that OFMSW slurry must be diluted and inoculated and that pH control in the start up phase is essential, in order to have significant biogas productions. OFMSW as received did not show a significant biogas production, while OFMSW Waste showed suitable characteristics for landfill disposal, except for Dissolved Organic Carbon.