Sustainability Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in the Framework of Circular Economy Transition

Life cycle assessment (LCA) tools can be used for the environmental of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) systems. The present study aims to evaluate impact an MSWM system in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under three different scenarios based on Strategy 2045 Riyadh. current scenario (S0) considers that (MSW) is landfilled, one (S1) energy (WtE) as main treatment while dry recyclables and organic collection schemes are introduced, two (S2) at maximum level residual portion treated WtE. boundaries include MSW disposal by recycling, incineration, composting, landfilling methods. were compared using SimaPro 9.1.1.1 software, ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) V1.04/World (2010) H method was assess global warming, ozone formation (human health), fine particulate matter formation, terrestrial acidification, freshwater eutrophication, mineral resource scarcity, fossil scarcity. S0 found with least if considering just treatment. However, S1 S2 allow material recovery avoids obtaining primary resources. reduced greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions 55% 58%, respectively, S0. According SV2030, 2% electricity generated Kingdom would have come from WtE, but calculations, obtained fully implemented contribute a 1.51% Arabia’s demand. This contributes providing useful insights could help decision-makers understand potential impacts assessing each step considered Riyadh along consequences supply MSW.