Greenhouse gas emissions mitigation in municipal solid waste collection systems

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the collection and transfer operations are a significant component within any municipal solid waste (MSW) system. This has not been optimally studied in previous works. The present study aims to quantify current GHG emissions from the MSW collection system in the central area of Hanoi and to develop alternative operational scenarios for GHG mitigation. Operational data on wastecollection vehicles and the transfer station (TS) were obtained from waste collection company’s digital maps and reports. The United Nations Environment Programme’s Emission Quantification Tool (EQT) Version III was ultilized for GHG emissions. The research evaluates various collection scenarios while incorporating TS location to determine an optimal distance that aligns with cost and GHG emissions targets. In the study area, the waste collection and transportation system covers an average daily travel distance of 2,167.68 km, utilizing a fleet of vehicles with capacities ranging from 1 to 11 tonnes. As a result, the system generates approximately 28 kg CO2-eq per tonne of MSW. At present, the waste transfer process in the study area remains inefficient. The proposed TS achieves about a 21.5% reduction in GHG emissions relative to the existing facility. Two key factors contributing to emission reduction are the minimization of transport distance and the use of fuel efficient vehicle types. Among all scenarios, employing TS consistently proves to be a more effective option than direct transportation to the Nam Son Waste Treatment and Disposal Complex. TS should be located along the shortest route between the collection areas and the treatment complex, preferably as close to the collection areas as possible to minimize transportation distance and cost. These results give scientific proof to back MSW planning and optimization aimed at the net-zero emission goal in the MSW management field.