Effects of revamping projects on air emission mitigation in municipal solid waste incineration facilities
This study quantitatively evaluated the impact of revamping projects on air pollutant emissions. Data from five municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) facilities in Korea were measured by the Tele-Monitoring System (TMS) from 2011 to 2024. Concentration, total emissions, and emission factors (EF, kg/ton-waste) before and after the revamping process were compared, and each specific pollutant reduction per ton (ΔEF) was estimated, along with the associated environmental benefits. After the revamping process, waste treatment capacity increased by 8.7~29.2%, while both concentrations and emission factors of dust, NOx, and HCl decreased, indicating higher performance even in the larger treatment conditions. The societal benefit of revamping these facilities was estimated to amount to approximately 6.6 thousand KRW per ton of waste, with NOx accounting for more than 80% of the total benefit. Although HCl emission levels were relatively low, HCl reduction is environmentally beneficial due to its strong odor and corrosive properties, indicating a potential improvement in the mitigation of public complaints as well as a positive environmental impact. This research provides one of the case studies for long-term measurement-based assessments of revamping effects and may serve as fundamental data for waste management policy, societal benefits, and strategic decision-making for future MSWI refurbishment and planning.