Incineration of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW): Accounting on CO2 emissions contribution

Abstract

Developed countries are facing climate change problems. Also solid waste
is expected to gradually increase. Incineration of waste is one the main
strategy to handle the generated solid waste. In this study, the contribution
of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration in CO₂ emission has been
identified. Plastic waste observed to have contributed the total solid waste of
about 18.3%. But their contribution on CO₂ emission showed more than
91% of both urban and rural areas. Separation of plastic before incineration
expected to have a significant effect on CO₂ emission reduction. CO₂
emissions during incineration of biomass materials such as food waste or wood
is considered to be zero. Food or wood materials during incineration obtained
the lower heating value because of their high moisture content. Therefore, to
increase the efficiency of incineration process, to remove or use fuel as
biomass of these is necessary.