A process of treating mixed waste through a combination of physical separation to remove recyclable elements and composting of degradable material, MBT has been received with a mixture of enthusiasm and scepticism in Britain.
Supporters of MBT point to the quantity of unsorted waste that can be diverted from landfill. However, detractors of the process have argued that since the residue of the process – which can amount to 40% of the input material – is either landfilled or incinerated, MBT may only be an expensive pre-treatment stage for waste that still requires final disposal.
”MBT systems vary greatly and there is much confusion about what they can and cannot achieve.“
– Joe Schwager, Juniper Consulting
The SITA Environmental study, which will be carried out by Juniper Consultancy Services, will look at existing MBT systems in Germany, Italy and around the world to assess the environmental and commercial credentials of the process.
Joe Schwager, managing director of Juniper, said: “MBT systems vary greatly and there is much confusion about what they can and cannot achieve.
“The report should help waste professionals assess how these technologies can fit into a modern integrated waste management strategy,” he added.
End product
As well as existing processes, the study will look at the use of MBT in Britain and will evaluate the options available for the end product from the process.
A report from pressure group Greenpeace last year called MBT “a state-of-the-art alternative to incineration for residual municipal waste”, but accepted that final disposal was required, recommending landfill as the best option for the end product of MBT. Waste management companies and local authorities in the UK have been exploring the potential of MBT residue as a refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for incinerators.
John Leaver, chairman of the SITA Environmental Trust, said that existing reports by organisations also including Friends of the Earth supported the need to investigate the options for MBT further.
Mr Leaver said: “The Trust's board identified a gaping hole in the information available on MBT and I'm sure that local authorities will be watching the results closely to see what future MBT has in the country.”
The 239,000 study, funded through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, has been supported by ASSURE – the Association for the Sustainable Use and Recovery of Resources in Europe. The results of the study are to be published in early 2005.
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