Greenhouse gas emission reductions from solid waste management: Prognosis of related issues

Abstract

The implementation of cleaner waste treatment technologies in developing countries is accompanied by myriads of limitations and obstacles. This study reports that greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions that would not have happened with business-as-usual scenarios are achievable in the waste management system under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). The grounds for CDM failures and successes were reviewed by reflecting on the past and current episodes in developing countries. It was found that economic development was directly proportional to increase in waste generation rate and influenced waste composition. The need to decouple waste production from Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and linking the prevalence of more low-carbon emissions waste treatment options were found essential to ensure sustainable development and mitigate climate change. Based on the present evaluation, Brazil and Thailand have had the largest number of CDM projects and mostly small-scale projects with the highest maximum emission reductions in Brazil (751, 148 Mt CO2e) followed by Vietnam (158, 727 Mt CO2e) and India (158, 077 Mt CO2e). It was found that small-scale projects were more feasible as technology transfer and financial status were hindering the implementation of large-scale CDM projects. Moreover, emissions trading through CDM were accompanied by technical obstructions in terms of carbon leakage, permit allowances and unfair carbon price with irregular international policies and regulations to control GHGs. This study highlights the potential of a carbon trading scheme through CDM waste management projects designed to aid highly polluting developed countries achieve their target baselines for carbon emissions. The increasing GHG emissions in developing and least developed countries could be tackled at the early stages of economic growth through financial and technological assistance from industrialized countries.