Evaluate the possibility of producing RDF pellets from agricultural by-products and household waste

Abstract

This study evaluates the feasibility of producing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) pellets using sawdust, pruned-branch wood fines, and selected household waste fractions (laminated milk cartons and plastic labels/films). Feedstocks were pre-treated and co-pelletized at mixing ratios from 70:30 to 100:0, then pressed at 110-200°C (screened up to 250°C). We determined higher heating value (HHV), density, moisture, ash, and mechanical durability, and benchmarked the results against Japan (JP)/Korea (KR)/Euro (EU) criteria for residential and industrial solid fuels. Process windows that consistently yielded well-formed pellets were 80:20 (sawdust/waste binder) at 150-200°C and 90:10 (branch fines/bottle labels) at 130- 150°C. Across all trials, moisture remained below 10% and durability exceeded 97%. HHV ranged from 16.5 to 24.7 MJ·kg-1 , increasing with higher wood content and moderate pressing temperatures. Several blends exhibited ash contents above JP/EU residential limits; however, values were acceptable for industrial use and co-firing under KR specifications. The results indicate that combining forestry byproducts with household plastic-paper residues can produce RDF pellets that meet performance targets while diverting low-value waste from landfills. This approach supports energy recovery, emissions reduction, and local circular-economy strategies for communities lacking uniform biomass resources.