Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management Based On Quasi-dynamic Eco-efficiency

Sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a crucial part of sustainable development strategy. It is a central and basic research question that how to identify a performance of MSWM system and scale an indicator of its sustainability. However, few studies have been done in this field. Therefore, a systematic and comprehensive study on an environmental-economic performance of MSWM system was expanded in this dissertation. The main work and results are listed as follows.1. Life cycle assessment of MSWM systemEnvironmental releases of each unit processes in MSWM system were described and quantified. Inventory of waste pyrolysis process was compiled based on data from experimental investigation. Element-scaled life cycle inventory models were set up, to simulate influence of MSW input on environmental releases from incineration and landfill processes. Results quantified scores of eight impact categories for MSWM system in Tianjin central district in the year of 2006. Moreover, key processes and pollutant, significantly contributing to each impact category, are identified according to results of contribution analysis.2. Life cycle costing analysis of MSWM systemBased on the concept of life cycle approach, a framework for life cycle costing was established, in order to develop life cycle costing analysis. Results indicate that the life cycle cost of MSWM system in Tianjin central district in the year of 2006 is 116 billion CYN, and collection & transportation process shows the most remarkable influence on the economic performance of MSWM system.3. Prediction on characteristics of MSWA time series study on characteristics of Tianjin's MSW was carried out from the year of 2000 to 2007. According to the results, non-agriculture population, per capital disposable income, central heating ratio, and the Engel's Coefficient are considered as key driven factors for the characteristics of MSW. Model of the characteristics of MSW was built by integrating scenario analysis and driven factors. Results from empirical analysis shows an amount of MSW generation keeps a high increasing rate, and could not be stable in a short term. To the year of 2020, the amount of MSW generation in A2 cornerstone scenario is 3.7 billion tons, which increases 156% compared with the year of 2005; the amount of MSW generation in B1 cornerstone scenario is 2.6 billion tons, which increases 80% compared with the year of 2005. Furthermore, composition of MSW highly depends on the pattern of economic and city development. Organic fraction would take the first place in a long term.4. Quasi dynamic eco-efficiency model and case studyA quasi-dynamic eco-efficiency model with a consistent methodology was developed by combining life cycle assessment, life cycle costing and the characteristic model of MSW. Tianjin was chose as a case study, with regard to evaluating the total environmental-economic performance of MSWM system and GHG emissions. Results show that a significant dynamic feature of MSWM system, which develops towards both environmental and economic indicators increasing. There are big differences between different social-economic developing strengths or different MSWM strategies; however, the eco-efficiency of integrated scenario is potentially optimal without exception. Compared with the current situation, 61% and 54% of GHG emissions can be reduced in the integrated scenario and the landfill gas utilization scenario, respectively. Landfill process is vital to controlling and reducing GHG emissions in Tianjin.