Strategies for the municipal solid waste sector to assist Canada in meeting its Kyoto Protocol commitments

Abstract

The Government of Canada has ratified the Kyoto Protocol, committing to a 6% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 1990 levels during the commitment period of 2008–2012. To attain this target, emission reductions throughout many sectors must be achieved. The waste sector can assist Canada in reducing GHG emissions to meet its commitments under the Kyoto Protocol. In 2001, the waste sector generated 24.8 megatonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from landfill gas (LFG) generation, wastewater treatment, and incineration. Emissions from the transportation of solid waste were not considered, and are seen to be small. Several strategies for reducing GHG emissions from solid waste are analyzed. Source reduction decreases the amount of material being generated, thus reducing from the source any emissions that might be related to the life cycle of the material. Recycling can reduce GHG emissions by reducing the amount of virgin material being processed, avoiding life cycle emissions. Landfill gas collection for energy recovery can reduce methane (CH4) emissions from organic wastes in landfills, and the Government of Canada's Climate Change Plan has considered this strategy. Anaerobic digestion converts some of the organic matter in the municipal solid waste (MSW) to both CH4 and carbon dioxide (CO2), where the CH4 can be used to generate power, while composting converts some of the organic fraction to CO2. Both of these processes produce a soil conditioner as their residue. Waste incineration reduces MSW volume and can generate power, displacing generation from fossil fuels. An integrated approach, considering these techniques where appropriate, can succeed in reducing emissions from the solid waste sector. Policy choices such as extended producer responsibility, minimum recycled content laws, and LFG capture criteria would increase the impact of solid waste management on GHG emissions. Key words: climate change, Kyoto Protocol, municipal solid waste, source reduction, recycling, landfill gas capture, anaerobic digestion.