A critical analysis of emissions and atmospheric dispersion of pollutants from plants for the treatment of residual municipal solid waste

This paper provides a critical analysis of some processes determining a release of pollutants into the atmosphere, from residual municipal solid waste. The reference context is the situation in the North-East region of Italy. The role of waste composition and the implications of the available technologies are examined as well. Then the processes governing the dispersion into the atmosphere are discussed. Finally the different processes, by which emissions may determine an increased risk for human health, as well as criteria to be adopted in order to minimize this impact, are discussed.