Comprehensive Environmental Assessment of Urban Solid Waste Management Systems: A Life Cycle Approach toward Sustainable Decision-Making

Abstract:

Urban solid waste management (SWM) systems are critical to sustainable urban development, as they directly impact public health, environmental quality, and resource utilization. With the accelerating pace of urbanization and population growth, the volume of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated worldwide has reached unprecedented levels, posing severe challenges to urban ecosystems and human well-being. This paper presents a comprehensive environmental assessment of SWM systems using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which offers a holistic perspective to evaluate the environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of waste management.

It evaluates key environmental indicators including global warming potential, energy consumption, and water use across various waste management practices such as landfilling, incineration, recycling, composting, and anaerobic digestion. The study integrates multiple case analyses from cities in North America, Europe, and Asia to highlight region-specific challenges and innovations. By comparing and contrasting these cases, we can identify the most effective strategies for different urban contexts.

Results indicate that integrated waste management systems, particularly those combining waste-to-energy (WTE) with high recycling rates, offer the most promising environmental outcomes. Such systems not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills but also recover valuable resources and energy, contributing to a circular economy. The findings support policy recommendations aimed at improving waste system sustainability through technological innovation, public participation, and regulatory frameworks, providing a scientific basis for decision-makers to formulate effective waste management policies.