Waste-to-Energy Technologies: A Sustainable Pathway for Resource Recovery and Materials Management

Abstract

The huge generation of municipal solid wastes along with the reliance on natural resources to meet the ever-increasing demand of energy has stimulated the world towards the exploration of novel methods for the recovery of energy and resources by using the generated wastes. Despite the numerous advantages of waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies, these techniques are not widely implemented. The review has summarized the various aspects of WtE techniques including advantages and limitations, techno-eco analysis, challenges and prospects, framework and implementation. The review has identified that the WtE techniques are more efficient than conventional waste management practices. The characteristics of municipal solid waste (MSW) vary with geographical conditions, living standards, socio-economic conditions, etc. Therefore, no particular WtE technique is equally feasible for the treatment of MSW. The strict environmental strategies, policies, and guidelines can assist in selecting the best WtE practice. The thermal treatment methods can effectively reduce the volume of generated wastes by up to 90%. Techno-economic analysis has revealed that WtE techniques are economically feasible with suitable measures. The life-cycle assessments have found that WtE techniques can recover up to 27.40 % of energy. The food and agriculture wastes constitute 50-56 % of the generated waste stream in developing countries thereby highlighting the significance of anaerobic digestion. The implementation of WtE techniques can considerably reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases and is beneficial to environmental health. The potential of WtE techniques for effective waste management and promotion of sustainability are underscored. The review contributes to the implementation of more effective measures for MSW management and promotes a circular economy.