Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy-Facility to Advance Circular Economy: A Case Study in the City of Spokane, Washington

Abstract

The development of technologies for processing residual solid mixed waste has only become a focus of attention stimulated by the search for more efficient energy sources. The majority of municipal solid waste (MSW) is of biological origin (biogenic). Typically, half of the energy content in MSW is from biogenic material. Consequently, this energy is often considered renewable energy according to the waste input, and as a result, the energy yields and profit generated can be accounted for in the circular economy. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) processes can play a role in the transition to a “circular economy” provided that a country’s waste hierarchy is used as a guiding principle and that the choices made do encourage and reward higher levels of waste minimization, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling. In conclusion, both Waste to Energy and landfill biogas recovery systems are credited for their respective recovered energy and revenue generation while managing MSW disposal using best management practices and in an environmentally sustainable manner.