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Issues and options in waste management: A social cost–benefit analysis of waste-to-energy in the UK

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  • Jamasb, Tooraj
  • Nepal, Rabindra

Abstract

The growing stream of municipal solid waste (MSW) requires a sustainable waste management strategy. At the same time, addressing climate change and security of energy supply concerns requires increased use of low-carbon and domestic sources of energy. This paper assesses the economic and environmental aspects of waste management options focusing on waste-to-energy (WtE) as a renewable resource. We discuss how WtE and recycling are compatible as waste treatment options. The paper then presents a social cost–benefit analysis of selected waste management scenarios for the UK focusing on specific waste management targets and carbon prices and compares them with coal-fired electricity. The results indicate that meeting the waste management targets of the EU Directive are socially more cost-effective than the current practice. The cost-effectiveness improves substantially with higher carbon prices. The findings show that WtE can be an important part of both waste management strategy and renewable energy policy although achieving the full potential of WtE requires development of heat delivery networks.

Suggested Citation

  • Jamasb, Tooraj & Nepal, Rabindra, 2010. "Issues and options in waste management: A social cost–benefit analysis of waste-to-energy in the UK," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 54(12), pages 1341-1352.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:54:y:2010:i:12:p:1341-1352
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.05.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Woon, Kok Sin & Lo, Irene M.C., 2016. "An integrated life cycle costing and human health impact analysis of municipal solid waste management options in Hong Kong using modified eco-efficiency indicator," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 104-114.
    3. Leme, Marcio Montagnana Vicente & Rocha, Mateus Henrique & Lora, Electo Eduardo Silva & Venturini, Osvaldo José & Lopes, Bruno Marciano & Ferreira, Cláudio Homero, 2014. "Techno-economic analysis and environmental impact assessment of energy recovery from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in Brazil," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 8-20.
    4. Margallo, M. & Dominguez-Ramos, A. & Aldaco, R. & Bala, A. & Fullana, P. & Irabien, A., 2014. "Environmental sustainability assessment in the process industry: A case study of waste-to-energy plants in Spain," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 144-155.
    5. Wang, Yuan & Yan, Yuanyuan & Chen, Guanyi & Zuo, Jian & Du, Huibin, 2015. "Effective approaches to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste to energy process: A China study," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 104(PA), pages 103-108.
    6. Pablo Emilio Escamilla-García & Ana Lilia Coria-Páez & Francisco Pérez-Soto & Francisco Gutiérrez-Galicia & Carolina Caire & Blanca L. Martínez-Vargas, 2023. "Financial and Technical Evaluation of Energy Production by Biological and Thermal Treatments of MSW in Mexico City," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(9), pages 1-14, April.

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    JEL classification:

    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q28 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy
    • Q42 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Alternative Energy Sources

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