Pyrolysis of municipal solid waste for bio-oil production

Municipal solid waste (MSW) has escalated into a significant global issue, exacerbated by rapid economic growth which contributes to mounting landfill accumulation and mismanagement, leading to extensive marine pollution. Pyrolysis, a thermochemical treatment method, stands out as a sustainable and efficient solution that not only mitigates pollution but also recovers valuable energy and materials. This chapter delves into the various pyrolysis techniques applicable to MSW, exploring the factors that affect the yield and selectivity of the products. It further assesses the influence of different catalysts on the pyrolysis process and offers a comparative analysis between pyrolysis and traditional thermal treatment methods. By transforming MSW into valuable resources through pyrolysis, there is an opportunity to reduce reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels, thus fostering energy sustainability and alleviating the environmental burden caused by MSW buildup. Furthermore, this chapter outlines strategies to enhance the production of liquid oil from MSW, emphasizing the potential of pyrolysis-derived liquid oil as a more sustainable energy alternative. Through these strategies, pyrolysis could significantly shift waste management paradigms, turning waste into wealth and promoting a circular economy where waste is not an endpoint but a beginning for new resource cycles.