Estimation of greenhouse gas emitted from municipal solid waste treatment and disposal in taiwan and its policy implication

The increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and the options of appropriate MSW treatment technologies are particularly highlighted on its worldwide impact on the global warming in recent times. It is imperative to assess the potential amount of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission in the design of MSW treatment and disposal system. This study aims at developing an emission inventory of GHG emission from the MSW treatment and disposal system, by firstly using the IPCC's updated methodology and domestic studies for required parameters in Taiwan. The GHG emission rates from respective MSW treatment and disposal divisions are estimated. The methane emission behavior between the first-order decay model and the triangular method is also firstly compared. Accordingly, the MSW treatment and disposal system in Taiwan generated 7,842.6 Gg CO< equivalence in 2002, occupying 2.86 % of Taiwanese net GHG emission in that year. The analysis results also indicate that plastic waste, paper waste, and food waste occupies the largest share of GHG emission from MSW treatment and disposal processes. Thus recycling and reducing activities on them should be enhanced for preventing global warming. The results will help the decision-makers associated with GHG reduction and MSW management to make efficient policy strategies.