Production of Refuse Derived Fuel from Plastic Waste within University

Abstract

This research aims to study the production of densified fuel (RDF-5) obtained from plastic waste generated within the university's waste separation facility. The objectives are to investigate the composition of the waste, the suitable conditions for forming the plastic waste, and the properties of these compressed densified fuels. A preliminary examination of the waste components that underwent Mechanical and Biological Waste Treatment within the waste separation facility revealed that plastic accounted for up to 47.50% of the composition. This plastic waste was then molded into RDF-5 using cylindrical molds with a diameter of 4 centimeters and a length of 10 centimeters. The shaping process involved applying pressures of 10, 30, 50 and 70 kilograms per square centimeter while maintaining a temperature of 100 and 120 degrees Celsius for duration of 5 minutes. The study found that using a pressure of 10, 30 and 50 kilograms per square centimeter, combined with a temperature of 120 degrees Celsius for 5 minutes to produce RDF-5 with desirable characteristics. These densified fuels had a bulk density ranging from 0.80 to 0.90 g/cm³, a maximum longitudinal crushing strength between 224.43+7.52 and 273.27+8.14 N/mm, a calorific value of 41.57+0.29 MJ/kg, and exhibited resistance to abrasion and impact, meeting the standards set for fuel briquettes. Therefore, the conditions of 120 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 10 kilograms per square centimeter for 5 minutes are suitable for producing high-quality densified fuel that meets European standards. These densified fuels can be used as a renewable energy source to reduce the volume of plastic waste, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDG) related to environmental conservation, as outlined by the United Nations.