Municipal wastes are suitable for fuel because they predominantly contain what material?

Municipal wastes are particularly suitable for fuel primarily because they predominantly contain biomass materials. Biomass refers to organic materials, such as food scraps, yard waste, paper, and other biodegradable substances. These materials have a significant energy content and can be effectively converted into energy through various methods, including combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion.

The presence of biomass makes municipal waste an appealing prospect for energy production, as it not only provides a renewable source of energy but also helps in managing waste more sustainably. When utilized properly, using municipal waste for fuel can lead to reduced landfill use and lower greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with environmental goals.

In contrast, the other options do not contain substantial amounts of biomass and are either unsuitable for fuel or pose environmental hazards. For example, battery materials and heavy metals are toxic and not viable as fuel. Plastic waste can sometimes be converted into energy, but it is not as abundant or effective as the organic components found in biomass. Therefore, biomass material is the primary reason municipal wastes can be effectively harnessed as fuel.