# Seasonal Shifts and Smart Stats: Improving Biodrying in Waste Management
## 1 Introduction  
The biodrying process is a well-established method for reducing the moisture content of municipal solid waste (MSW). It is considered a relatively new method compared to traditional drying or stabilization techniques used in solid waste management, such as composing or direct thermal drying. While the concept of using biological activity to generate heat for moisture reduction has been explored, its application as a standalone technique for large-scale municipal solid waste (MSW) management has only gained traction over the past two decades. This is largely due to advancements in process control technologies and the increasing demand for efficient pre-treatment methods that align with resource recovery goals and energy efficiency. In particular, biodrying integration with refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production systems has been a recent focus of research and development [1, 2]. For more details, readers can refer to related studies, including those that explore its engineering and environmental applications [2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The drying methods for municipal solid waste (MSW) have evolved significantly over the years, with various techniques employed to reduce moisture content and improve waste management efficiency. Traditional methods like solar drying and hot air drying have been widely used due to their simplicity and low operational costs. However, these methods often suffer from long drying times, poor quality control, and inefficient energy use [7]. More advanced techniques have emerged to address these limitations. Thermal drying, including convective and conductive methods, has been extensively studied for its ability to rapidly reduce moisture content in MSW. While effective, this approach can lead to high energy consumption and a potential loss of volatile organic compounds [8]. Biodrying has gained attention as a more sustainable alternative, leveraging microbial activity to generate heat and facilitate moisture removal. This method has shown promise in reducing waste volume and increasing calorific value, making it suitable for producing refuse-derived fuel [9]. The process is primarily employed in solid waste management to reduce the moisture content of waste, transforming it into a more manageable material [3]. The process leverages heat produced during the aerobic decomposition of organic matter to drive convective evaporation and facilitate drying. The primary objective of biodrying is to lower the moisture content of waste, reducing its mass and volume, thereby improving its suitability for mechanical processing, energy recovery, or disposal [10]. Biodrying provides several advantages, including substantial volume reduction, with studies indicating decreases in waste volume of up to 56.5% [11; 12]. Additionally, the process can increase the substrate's bulk density by up to 52%, resulting in a more compact material that is easier to handle [13]. The moisture content of the waste is significantly reduced, with average reductions of approximately 20% being commonly reported [14]. Although biodrying is being increasingly adopted, maintaining the stability and consistency of the process is essential to maximize its efficiency. Variability in process outcomes, such as inconsistent weight reductions, can result in inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and fluctuations in the quality of the final product. Biodrying efficiency can be affected by factors such as aeration rate, waste composition, and environmental conditions [4]. Variations in these parameters can directly affect the rate of moisture removal, the consistency of the process, and the overall quality of the final output [15]. Consequently, continuously monitoring and precisely controlling parameters such as initial moisture content, airflow rate, and temperature are essential to maintaining optimal performance in the biodrying process. This ensures that the system operates within specified limits, minimizes variability, and achieves consistent efficiency, ultimately leading to improved waste management outcomes.