Potential Utilization of Municipal Solid Waste Ash in Concrete Blends in Israel Part A: Municipal Waste Combustion in the Laboratory

This study investigated the potential use of ash derived from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), typically destined for landfill in Israel, as a partial replacement for cement and aggregates in concrete mixtures, aligning with circular economy and sustainable construction objectives. MSW samples (post-metal and large plastic remains removal), supplied by the Dudaim Reclamation Center in Israel, were incinerated under controlled conditions in an upgraded laboratory furnace to produce ash. The ash content in the Israeli MSW was 18% ash. The ash consisted mainly of calcium-based minerals, including anhydrite (CaSO₄), alite (3CaO·SiO₂), and calcite (CaCO₃), with minor quartz content, indicating potential pozzolanic behavior. The characterization results showed that appreciable amounts of ash produced from MSW incineration in Israel can be used as a partial replacement for cement and fine aggregates when properly treated. This study successfully established a laboratory-scale incineration process for Israeli MSW. The resulting ash was characterized, confirming its potential as a raw material for concrete applications, thereby paving the way for future studies on its performance as a partial substitute for cement and fine aggregates in concrete blends.