Influence of the presence of impurities and of the biomass source on the performance of Ru catalysts in the hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose towards γ-valerolactone

•Catalyst poisoning leads to low gamma-valerolactone yields from waste lignocellulose.•Endogenic and exogenic inorganic impurities are key factors lowering the yields.•Harvesting place and wood nature impact on impurities leaching and humins composition.•Using waste lignocellulose as feedstock strongly impacts the yield to biofuel additive.