Energy potencial of household solid waste (HSW) in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil

ABSTRACT Household solid waste (HSW) disposition is a challenge for the majority of the Brazilian cities, most held without pretreatment, which causes impacts. Incineration with recovery energy is an alternative to reduce impacts. In this study we analyzed the energy potential of HSW in the city of Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil. Samples were collected at the municipal landfill for the analysis. Waste gravimetric characterization showed value 0.28 kg kg-1for recyclables, 0.44 kg kg-1for organic matter and 0.28 kg kg-1 for rejects. The fixed carbon content ranged from 0.06 to 0.09 kg kg-1, the volatile materials from 0.75 to 0.81 kg kg-1 and ashes from 0.10 to 0.18 kg kg-1. The average gross calorific value showed high value, 19,807 kJ kg-1, compared to the waste of other cities in the world.