Resource Recovery from Fly Ash Incineration of Municipal Solid Waste: Formation, Characterization, Regulations, and Treatment Technologies: A Technical Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/arme-2026.15.1.4328Keywords:
Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI), Fly Ash, Resource Recovery, Circular Economy, Treatment TechnologiesAbstract
In addition to providing a valuable solution for waste volume reduction and energy recovery, Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) produces fly ash (FA), a significant hazardous byproduct. This fine particulate residue, which accounts for approximately 2–5% of the input mass, is categorized as hazardous waste globally due to its high concentration of toxic heavy metals, chlorides, and persistent organic pollutants. Current disposal practices, such as stabilization and landfilling, represent a linear and unsustainable model that forfeits valuable embedded resources. This paper comprehensively examines the paradigm shift toward the resource recovery of MSWI FA in alignment with circular economy principles. It discusses the formation, physicochemical properties, and complex composition of fly ash, highlighting its variability depending on the incinerator type and waste input. A comparative analysis of international regulatory frameworks (EU, USA, China, and Japan) establishes the compliance landscape. The review critically assesses state-of-the-art treatment technologies, including separation processes (e.g., acid washing and FLUREC metal recovery), advanced stabilization/solidification methods (e.g., geopolymers and carbonation), and thermal treatments (e.g., vitrification). These pathways are evaluated for their technical effectiveness in detoxification and resource extraction, as well as their environmental impact through life-cycle assessment. The paper concludes that integrating efficient and low-impact recovery technologies is essential to transform MSWI fly ash from an environmental liability into a sustainable source of secondary materials, thereby mitigating long-term risks and advancing environmentally sustainable waste management.
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