Assessing the environmental impact of waste management: A comparative study of CO2 emissions with a focus on recycling and incineration

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137745
• Publication Date: 2023-06-15T20:38:46Z
• Authors: Marion Christine ...; Karl W. Steininger; Christian Ramsauer; Mariana Rivera-Ag...
• Keywords: Cleaner production; Waste-to-Energy

In waste management, the assessment of CO2 emissions offers possibility to evaluate and compare environmental impact different treatment processes. Here, we performance incineration with alternative thermal scenarios recycling primary production materials analyze respective emissions. The aim is determine whether material results in (net) surpluses or reductions, thus, showing it makes sense for climate ambitions recover waste, thermally materially. A case study an internationally active management company Austria analyzed, conducting a life cycle its recycling. On core analysis comparison energy sources. Using as source, especially cement plants paper industry, has proven be effective technology reducing We also find current practices lower than supply. Scaling national level that have potential save equivalent 2.6% Austria's total (all sectors) fractions 1%