A Systematic Review of Urban Solid Waste Management to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Quantitative and Qualitative Approach

Karenine Máximo Oliveira Landim, Domenico Ceglia, Elias Pereira Lopes Júnior and Sérgio Henrique de Oliveira Lima

Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 33, issue 5, 7474-7512

Abstract: The study primarily focuses on GHG emissions and provides a comprehensive analysis of other environmental impacts in air pollution associated with different waste management strategies. Climate change reports project a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation over the next 30 years, contributing billions of tons of CO2‐equivalent greenhouse gas emissions. This review, using the PRISMA statement and Biblioshiny visualization, investigates which solid waste management tools can reduce waste generation and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. We identified 73 studies published over the past decade focusing on waste management strategies and treatment technologies. About 65% of them examined incineration, recycling, and landfill gas capture; 25% addressed organic waste treatment via anaerobic digestion and composting; and only 10% focused on mechanical biological treatment. Incineration emerges as the most influential technology in achieving net GHG savings, followed by recycling and anaerobic digestion. However, the choice of the most suitable waste management approach depends on several factors such as local conditions, waste characteristics, and the specific objectives of each installation. Future research should focus on alternative technologies, eco‐efficiency of incineration, and local database development.

Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:5:p:7474-7512

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