Sustainable Pathways for Recovering Materials and Energy From Waste

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), more commonly known as trash or garbage, consists of everyday items we use and then throw away, like product packaging, grass clippings, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, paint, etc. Waste generated by anthropogenic activity is a great source of carbon, and traditionally, it ends up in the landfill. This study evaluates thermal techniques of incineration and gasification, and biological techniques of anaerobic digestion and fermentation to recover materials and energy from waste going to landfills.
Life cycle perspectives are used for sustainability assessment of the techniques in the areas of cost, energy use, environmental releases, and societal issues. The results of this research will help communities to decide on a sustainable technology for the treatment of their municipal solid waste. The research will also help them to develop strategies for waste collection, transport, materials and energy recovery, and green job creation in the community.