Avfallsanalyser

Avfallsanalyser, or waste analysis, refers to the systematic analysis and characterization of waste streams to determine their composition, properties and potential environmental impact. The practice supports planning, treatment selection and regulatory compliance for municipalities, waste management companies and researchers. Avfallsanalyser cover a range of waste types, including municipal solid waste, industrial waste, construction and demolition waste, and wastewater sludges.

Typical measurements in avfallsanalyser include physical properties such as moisture content, density and particle size distribution, as well as chemical composition including organic content and elemental analysis (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, chlorine) and metal content. Energy content is often assessed via calorific value. Contaminants such as heavy metals, halogenated organics and other persistent pollutants are evaluated, and leachability tests may be performed to assess potential groundwater impact. The analyses can also estimate recyclability and renewable energy potential.

Methods used in avfallsanalyser combine sampling and statistical evaluation with laboratory analyses. Common techniques include proximate and ultimate analyses, bomb calorimetry, gas analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), inductively coupled plasma techniques (ICP-OES/MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and infrared methods for rapid screening. Procedures are guided by standards from European and national authorities, and results are often interpreted through data quality checks, fractionation models and mass balance calculations.

Applications of avfallsanalyser include design and optimization of recycling lines, energy recovery processes such as incineration or anaerobic digestion, and decisions related to landfilling. They support life cycle assessments, policy development and compliance monitoring. Challenges include waste heterogeneity, seasonal variation, sampling representativeness, and the costs and time required for comprehensive analyses.