Solid Waste Technology and Resource Recovery

The course covers technologies for solid waste management, recycling methods and resource recovery from waste systems. The contents of the course includes:1) Introduction to waste management, technology, economics, policy and regulation, 2) Generation and characterization of waste, 3) Life cycle assessment of waste systems, 4) Waste collection, 5) Waste minimization, material recycling and mechanical treatment, 6) Thermal treatment, 7) Biological treatment, 8) Landfilling, 9) Solution for selected waste types (e.g. hazardous waste, WEEE, plastic waste).

Knowledge - students will have acquired knowledge of

1. Key strategies and solutions for effective solid waste management.
2. Relevant policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks in waste management.
3. Technical processes involved in waste management and resource recovery.

Skills - students will be able to

1. Explain the fundamental components of waste policy.
2. Describe the main elements of waste generation and characterization.
3. Compare common technical solutions and designs for waste collection, treatment, and resource recovery.
4. Interpret life cycle assessment (LCA) studies related to waste systems.
5. Evaluate essential requirements for creating effective and environmentally sustainable solid waste management systems.

General competence - students will be capable of:

1. Applying a systems perspective when assessing solid waste management solutions and systems.
2. Effectively communicating with both specialists and decision-makers in the field of waste management.

The course is structured around three main components: lectures, exercises, and a group semester project, each constituting approximately one-third of the course content. Excursions further complement the course with practical insights.