Comparative LCA of two approaches with different emphasis on energy or material recovery for a municipal solid waste management system in Gipuzkoa

摘要: Abstract Two alternative approaches for an integrated municipal solid waste management system (MSW-MS) have been confronted in the province of Gipuzkoa, north Spain, during last decade. While one them prioritizes energy recovery from mixed residual incineration plant, other approach gives precedence to material separately collected waste. Which would present a lower environmental impact and be more desirable sustainability perspective? Answering this question is hindered by fact that recovered materials are not directly comparable or substitutable with each other. Based on powerful framework provided life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, work performs comparative LCA overall impacts these two approaches, showing comparisons systems terms direct should avoided favor indicators already proposed framework, such as Cumulative Energy Demand category Ecoinvent, global warming potential Abiotic Resources Depletion categories CML 2001 method. Applying shows when high share separately, processes assumed background adequately characterized, especially production electricity mix, then prioritizing provides better results even tightly related fossil consumption, category.