Pinch analysis of GHG mitigation strategies for municipal solid waste management: A case study on Qingdao City

Municipal solid waste management is a major environmental issue facing modern cities due to risks posed to humans and emissions of greenhouse gases. In China, landfills are among the main management options used in urban centers. Other options for municipal solid waste treatment include waste minimization, material recycling, and recovery of energy. An integrated municipal solid waste management system must utilize these alternatives in an optimal manner while accounting for system constraints. This paper presents a hybrid approach for planning a carbon-constrained municipal solid waste management system for Qingdao City. The method is based on Life Cycle Carbon Accounting and Carbon Emission Pinch Analysis. First, the amount of carbon emissions released during municipal solid waste treatment in Qingdao City is calculated using Life Cycle Carbon Accounting. Then, Carbon Emission Pinch Analysis is conducted to evaluate management options for treatment of municipal solid waste under specified emissions targets. Four scenarios are assessed wherein alternative combinations of municipal solid waste treatment methods are combined for the case of Qingdao City. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.