Carbon Balance in Municipal Solid Waste Management-A Case Study of Nonthaburi Municipality, Thailand
Kampol Nanthapong MS*, Chongchin Polprasert PhD*
Affiliation : * Department of Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok and Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Bangkok, Thailand
Objective : This research aimed to investigate the carbon equivalences associated with the unit processes of municipal solid
waste management (MSWM) in Nonthaburi municipality. In addition, factors affecting MSWM’s carbon-related activities
were determined to find the reduction potential of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
Material and Method: A field survey was conducted to quantify the amount of resources used in MSWM. Then, they were
evaluated in terms of carbon equivalences occurring in the process scheme and categorized into carbon emissions, fixation
and reduction, following a carbon-balanced model.
Results : From carbon balance analysis of the base-line-scenario MSWM, the carbon emissions were found to be -2,374.56
MTCE/y, resulting in the average carbon unit of -22.98 kg CE/ton solid waste. The negative sign indicates a carbon reduction,
instead of an emission, from this MSWM practice, which helps to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Conclusion : The results of the model reveal that the highest contribution to carbon reduction potential in MSWM is recycling.
Accordingly, it is strongly recommended that a policy promoting reuse, recovery, and recycling be pursued in every step of
MSWM to assist in, not only extending landfill service life span, but also alleviating the increasing global warming problems.
Keywords : Carbon-balanced model, Municipal solid waste management, Carbon equivalences
