Environmental Impact Assessment of Solid Waste to Energy Technologies and Their Perspectives in Australia

The study assessed the environmental impacts of landfilling, anaerobic digestion and incineration technologies investigated effect replaced source electricity on these waste to energy (WtE) technologies. Data published in national pollutant inventories ReCiPe impact assessment method were employed this study. showed that generation through had highest human health ecosystems, followed by landfilling. Compared Australian grid, generated from all three WtE have a lower impact. results revealed global warming fine particulate matter formation with more than 97.6% contribution main factors for health, while terrestrial acidification, ozone contributing 99% ecosystems. Global was most impactful category ecosystems over 85% both endpoint categories. Incineration significantly higher avoided landfilling treatment one tonne solid replacing brown coal, black coal or power grid. growing share renewable grid is expected decrease GHG emissions electricity. if (757 kg CO2 eq/MWh) break-even point (621 eq/MWh), loses climate advantage