Central sorting

This chapter deals with two distinct types of central sorting: sorting of mixed recyclables at a materials recovery facility (MRF) and the sorting of mixed waste to produce refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The stages of each sorting process are described, as are the waste inputs and the outputs in terms of both products and residues. Available data are presented on the typical energy consumption of the two sorting operations. Economic data,both processing costs and revenues from the sale of recovered materials, are included where possible. The central sorting module of the lifecycle inventory model for solid waste is presented and explained.