Development of a Methodological Framework for the Evaluation of the Material and Energy Recovery Potential of Municipal Solid Waste Management: Implementation in Five Greek Regions

Abstract

Problem: According to the Landfill Directive, the proportion of municipal waste disposed of in landfills should be reduced to 10% w/w or less of the total amount of municipal waste generated by 2035. It should be highlighted that even though the regional waste management plans in Greece took into consideration the recycling targets set by the European Union, the proportion of municipal waste disposed of by landfilling was about 80% w/w in 2020. Purpose: The present study aims to introduce a methodological framework for the calculation of residues from facilities foreseen in regional waste management plans and the potential of its utilization for energy recovery. Methodology: The methodology for the development and implementation of the decision support tool concerned the registration of treatment facilities, the estimation of recyclables and residues derived from them, the calculation of maximum volume or residues for achieving the recycling targets and the circular economy objective, the assessment of quality composition of residues, and the assessment of energy recovery potential. Findings: Up to 270 GWh of electricity per year could be generated from a supposed thermal treatment of residues from recycling, while targets concerning recycling and waste management in the frame of circular economy objective can been achieved. Conclusions: The proposed methodological framework can be utilized as a decision support tool by relevant decision makers, and can be applied both for the evaluation of the regional waste management plans, which directly affect national recycling and circular economy targets set by European Union environment policy.