Energy recovery technology and recycling quantity estimation of urban solid waste in Dhaka

Abstract

Dhaka generates 8,800 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, yet less than 40% is formally collected and almost none is converted to energy. This study quantifies the energy recovery potential of Dhaka’s waste stream and evaluates three waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies: incineration, anaerobic digestion (AD), and gasification. Using waste composition data (65%organic, 12% plastics, 8% paper) and a lower heating value of 6–8 MJ/kg, the gross energy potential is calculated at 17,111 MWh/day. Scenario analysis shows that under fully segregated, hybrid AD-gasification systems, 15–20% of Dhaka’s daily electricity demand could be met – compared to only 5–7% under current practices. Multi-criteria decision analysis ranks anaerobic digestion highest due to its suitability for organic waste, lower emissions, and greater social acceptance. However, the municipal budget for waste management is less than 1%, a critical policy barrier. The study concludes that a hybridAD-gasification strategy is the most sustainable pathway, requiring investment in segregation infrastructure and policy integration.