Application of life cycle assessment of system solution scenarios for municipal solid waste management in Turkey

Abstract

In this study, an average waste composition was determined using the Provincial Environmental Status Reports of 81 provinces in Turkey for 2019, and the life cycle effects of these wastes were examined through seven waste management scenarios prepared in accordance with EU directives. First, the reports were examined and the waste compositions of the provinces were determined. Then, scenarios consisting of landfill, incineration, compost and recycle were applied using SimaPro software and short, medium- and long-term effects were calculated. The results show that the scenarios involving the incineration method have a high impact on global warming and consequently on human health, ecosystem quality and resources. The landfill method is observed to be more harmful in the long term. Although recycling puts a significant negative pressure on the cost of resources, it provides significant environmental benefits. In addition, recycling has a huge positive impact, especially in land and mineral resource use. Similarly, by including the compost method in the disposal process, significant gains are obtained, especially in the short and medium term. Consequently, the environmental benefits of recycling and compost processes have been clearly calculated and it is recommended to expand these two processes.