An Integrated Environmental Assessment of MSW Management in a Large City of a Developing Country: Taking the First Steps Towards a Circular Economy Model

Most of the municipal solid waste (MSW) in developing countries ends up landfills. For example, more than 95% MSW generated Latin America is disposed some type landfill. Factors such as high organic compositions, low recycling rates and poor control over disposal sites greatly increase environmental impacts associated with management this region, resulting increased emissions greenhouse gases (GHGs) runoff leachates. Therefore, local governments are making efforts to transition “circular” models for MSW. This case Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (GMA), third most populous city Mexico, where implementation following two mechanical biological treatment (MBT) alternatives being considered: 1) a high-capacity sorting facility no 2) medium-capacity coupled composting process. Thus, aim present study was assess performance current system (baseline) compared potential MBT through life cycle assessment (LCA) sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, by using SWOT analysis, aimed provide insights into main economical, sociocultural, legal, political technological/infrastructure challenges that need be overcome GMA, well other cities countries, order circular models. An global warming (measured Gg CO 2 -eq/year) indicated results emission 111.21 -eq/year, while alternative scenarios displayed net reduction 24 34%, respectively, due material substitution petroleum coke refuse-derived fuel (RDF) cement kilns. When evaluating abiotic resource depletion Sb-eq/year), both outperformed baseline savings increases between 3,380 3,501%. result largely attributed decrease fossil consumption (due RDF), which provides 5.62 Sb-eq/year. The analysis revealed several key parameters, fraction food plastic wastes MSW, can alter scenario rankings. Recycling recovered materials were found strategies direct impacts. Additionally, better picker activities, standardization landfill operations enhancement separation selective collection must addressed prior introduction new technologies. herein assist formation policies improve feasibility drive first steps towards economy model within American Caribbean regions similar characteristics.