Can waste management system be a Greenhouse Gas sink? Perspective from Shanghai, China

Municipal solid waste (MSW) properties and parameters for MSW treatment technologies are decisive for GHG emission of MSW treatment systems. But they are changing in China due to MSW source segregation and technological advancements, which requires new studies on GHG emissions of MSW treatment systems based on up-to-date data. In this study, GHG emission values and their uncertainties of waste treatment systems before and after MSW source segregation in Shanghai were analyzed utilizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods and Monte Carlo analysis. The results showed that before waste segregation, 21.0 similar to 319 kg CO2-eq GHG per tonne was emitted and that -139 similar to 203 kg CO2-eq GHG per tonne was emitted after waste source segregation. The source segregation helps to reduce GHG emissions from MSW treatment systems. In the long run, waste to energy incineration was not recommended from GHG perspective and anaerobic digestion has a great potential for GHG emission reductions.

Automated summary

Changes in MSW properties and parameters due to MSW source segregation and technological advancements in China have led to the need for new studies on GHG emissions of MSW treatment systems. This study analyzed GHG emissions in Shanghai before and after waste source segregation, showing a reduction in emissions after source segregation. Waste to energy incineration is not recommended, while anaerobic digestion has the potential for significant GHG emission reductions.