title: Biodegradation of paper waste under controlled composting conditions.
abstract: The presence of paper in municipal solid waste (MSW) interferes with the efficiency of composting plants. The compost feedstock to these plants is between 12% and 27% paper on a dry weight basis, with an initial C:N ratio ranging from 32:1 to 57:1. Tests of the last aerobic biodegradability (LAB) of the type of paper present in paper and cardboard packaging were carried out, following UNE-EN 14046 standards. The results obtained, measured through the quantity of CO(2) generated over 45 days, compared with the maximum that could be produced (ThCO(2)), showed that the presence of paper retards, to a great degree, the biodegradation of organic material in general. Specifically, the presence of papers with a degradation D (%) >60% at 45 days (white (W) and recycled paper (R)) could be allowed, but always in proportions that did not exceed 27% in dry weight. These results can be achieved with an industrial level process, pre-treated by trituration.
authors.affiliation: Dept. of Forestry Engineering, E.T.S.I. De Montes (Superior Technical Forestry Engineering School), Technologic University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain. jv.lopez@upm.es
authors.forename: J V López
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: M Aguilar
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Larrucea
authors.forename: P Arraiza
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Bermúdez
authors.forename: B León
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Chicote
mesh_terms: D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis*; D010209:Paper; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste; D012987:Soil; D002245:Carbon Dioxide