Emission of greenhouse gases from anaerobic digestion processes: comparison with other municipal solid waste treatments

Abstract

This contribution analyzes the anaerobic digestion process and compares GHG emissions estimated for four different management processes for MSW (Municipal Solid Waste): biogasification, landfilling, composting and incineration. The comparison has been undertaken by considering in the estimation of the emissions the full cycle of MSW treatment, and not only the emissions derived from the fraction of MSW treated by each particular system. For instance, the fraction of MSW not submitted to biological treatment has to be incinerated or deposited in a landfill. The corresponding emissions of these processes have to be considered in the calculations of the final emissions.