Utilization of municipal residues as energy resources is discussed. Municipal residues are divided into dry biomass and wet biomass from the. viewpoint of energy utilization, and the separation of food garbage (wet biomass) from combustible waste (dry biomass) is proposed. The separation enables us to utilize garbage (wet biomass) as an energy source. Therefore, energy efficiency of the existent power generation from residues can be improved. The separation of wet biomass is also desirable from the viewpoint of sanitation. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.