Speed of transition of municipal solid waste from landfill to waste-to-energy

Abstract

In recent years, much effort has been invested in the development of waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies that might reduce the volume of waste and ameliorate its negative environmental consequences. This study examines the countries which have the fastest transition from landfilling to WTE treatment and the impact of this transition on the environment during their transition period. The study evaluates the speed of the transition by calculating the annual percentage of WTE treatment and decrease of landfilling and assesses the environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and dioxin emissions. The results showed that the annual rate of WTE progress based on the share of WTE of the total generation (and treatment) of municipal solid waste (MSW) was in the range of 0,53 %-points/a, and 5,26 %-points/a, also the annual rate of landfill reduction was in the range of 0,63 %-points/a, and 6,63 %-points/a. Furthermore, the results in the environmental impact showed that the changes of GHG emission caused by each kt of treated MSW by WTE and landfill methods were in the range of -0,924 kt CO2eq/kt (landfill +WTE) and 0,421 kt CO2eq/kt (landfill +WTE). Furthermore, the GHG emission factor for WTE plants was determined for the countries over the period. Finally, the dioxin emission changes were roughly estimated for the case countries, and the dioxin emission changes were decreasing and between 3,14 mg-TEQ/kt landfill+WTE and 7,61 mg-TEQ/kt landfill+WTE. The study concludes that WTE is a quick and effective method to reduce environmental impact and generate energy and can be a valuable opportunity for other countries to improve their waste management systems.