The conversion of municipal solid waste to chemicals

The problem of waste disposal by municipalities is becoming a growing burden on local communities in the United States. At present, there is very little research being conducted to address the problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal even though MSW could be considered a potentially vast resource. There are technically feasible processes available for the conversion of MSW to energy and these processes are being reviewed by local governments with some interest. These processes, however, are typically marginally economical at best. A more promising approach to the problem of MSW disposal might be the conversion of MSW to high value-added chemicals.

This dissertation addresses the above problem by exploring the economics of the production of three chemicals, methanol, ethylene glycol and acetic acid, from MSW derived syngas.