Characterization and Potential Analysis of Paper Waste as Raw Material for Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Pellet Substitution

The city of West Jakarta, in the capital of Indonesia, produces paper waste in large quantities per year, approximately 60.74 tons of paper waste per day. Paper waste may have a high potential for energy recovery based on its characteristics and quantity. This study aims to compare the potential utilization of various types of paper waste as raw material for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) based on proximate analysis and their calorific value. Samples of paper waste of different types, including HVS paper, calendars, paperboard, baking paper, and newsprint, were collected from a temporary waste disposal site in West Jakarta. Samples were analyzed in a laboratory for proximate analysis, including the determination of water content, ash content, volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, and calorific value. Multiple linear regression is performed to determine variables that have a statistically significant correlation with the calorific value, then Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Method was used to determine the best type of paper waste. Results showed a regression model for determining the calorific value of paper waste based on its proximate variables with an F-test result of Sig. <0.05. Based on TOPSIS, newsprint waste was selected as highest potential among other types of paper waste, with a calorific value of 4,366.942 kcal/kg, water content of 7.87%, volatile content of 73.66%, fixed carbon of 16.85, and ash content of 2.75%.