Waste management practices can significantly contribute to climate change mitigation and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in several ways:
Reduction of methane emissions: By preventing organic waste from decomposing in landfills, waste management can reduce methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Technologies like anaerobic digestion capture methane from waste and convert it into biogas or biomethane, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
Energy recovery: Incineration of waste can generate energy, reducing the need for fossil fuels. When waste is combusted, the heat produced can be used for electricity generation or heating, offsetting the emissions from fossil fuel use.
Resource recovery: Recycling and composting waste reduce the need for raw materials extraction and processing, which are energy-intensive processes. This conserves energy and reduces GHG emissions associated with manufacturing new products.
Decentralization: Implementing decentralized waste management systems can reduce transportation emissions. By processing waste closer to where it is generated, the need for long-distance transportation is minimized.
Education and behavior change: Promoting waste reduction, reuse, and recycling can lead to a decrease in waste generation and, consequently, lower emissions from waste management processes.
By integrating these practices, waste management can play a crucial role in the global effort to mitigate climate change and reduce GHG emissions.