Abstract
Abstract Accurate estimation of municipal solid waste (MSW) composition is critical for efficient waste management. In the United States, site-specific and material flow approaches determine the MSW composition at regional and national levels. The material flow-based national estimates are determined by the US EPA; the US EPA’s estimates are known to differ substantially from the aggregated tonnage of MSW managed by waste handling facilities in the United States. However, the material class-specific discrepancies of the US EPA’s material flow approach resulting in these differences are unknown. To find the basis of these discrepancies, we analyze the discarded MSW stream of 27 US states, which roughly accounts for 73 percent of the US population. Our analysis indicates that the material flow-based national estimates are accurate for the food, plastic, and glass material classes. In contrast, we find that the US EPA’s material flow-based predictions underestimate paper waste disposal by at least 15 million tons annually. These differences likely stem from incorrect assumptions of residence time. These results highlight the material class-specific strengths and drawbacks of the US EPA’s material flow-based MSW estimates.
Highlights
Recent estimates predict that the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated globally will continue to increase in the near future, albeit at a slower rate [1]
Material classes in the national and regional waste stream The material flow-based national estimates of MSW composition, its means of disposal, and composition of the recycled, landfilled, and incinerated waste fractions for the year 2017 are depicted in figure 2
The analysis presented is based on MSW disposal estimates from site-specific waste characterization studies commissioned by 27 US states, which roughly represents 73 percent of the US population
Summary
Recent estimates predict that the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated globally will continue to increase in the near future, albeit at a slower rate [1]. Accompanying this increase will be a simultaneous rise in environmental impacts associated with waste disposal. The remaining waste management schemes, i.e., incineration for energy recovery and landfilling, are the predominant means of waste disposal in the United States (figure 1). They can have a negative impact on the environment. From a management perspective, a comprehensive understanding of MSW composition is essential to plan recovery facilities that are suited for materials present in the waste stream; accurate estimation and subsequent planning can help eliminate mismanaged trash that can adversely affect the natural habitat [14], such as the accumulation of plastic waste in our oceans [15,16,17]
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