Mechanical biological treatment comprises a combination of mechanical and biological processes that further treat mixed residual waste before disposal. The aim of this process combination is to minimize the environmental impacts of end disposal and to gain some further value from the waste through the recovery of recyclables and, in some cases, energy. The possible process configurations are numerous although consisting always of mechanical processes and a core biological treatment. With rising environmental standards and higher recycling requirements, integrated systems have been developed that combine the two technology stages as an integrated entity and include treated biologically and odor control facets within a closed cycle.
