Calorific value (CV) of waste

The CV of the waste depends on the composition of the waste. Waste with a lot of PVC has a higher calorific value then waste with less PVC and more paper. Here we give some approximate numbers about the calorific value of materials.

Type of material	CV (MJ / kg)	CV (kCal / kg)
Medical waste	19 - 24	4540 - 5735
Industrial & hazardous waste	22 - 40	5257 - 9558
Domestic waste (without recycling)	7 - 16	1673 - 3823
Domestic waste (afther recycling)	10 - 14	2389 - 3345
PVC	41	9797
Dry wood	14,4	3441
Paper	13,5	3226
Braun carbon	7 - 12	1673 - 2867
Petrol (benzine)	45 - 47	10573 - 11231
Coal	15 - 27	3584 - 6452
Diesel	46	10992
Ethanol	30	7168

A material can burn without supporting fuel when it has a calorific value of min. 14,4 MJ/kg, this is approximatly dry wood. To know the overall calorific value of the waste, you need to measure the calorific value or estimate by analizing the composition. 

If there is no chemical reaction by mixing the different materials together, a weighted average of the different calorific values are a good approximate value for the CV of the waste mix.

If the amount of waste is known, and the calorific value of the waste is known, it is possible to design the size of the incinerator and flue gas treatement system.