Naslov
THE ANALYSIS OF THE POTENTIAL OF MATERIAL AND ENERGY RECOVERY OF MUNICIPAL WASTE IN CANADA

Autori
Patrick Fowler

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Ocjenski radovi, magistarski rad

Fakultet
Fakultet strojarstva i brodogradnje

Mjesto
Zagreb

Datum
14.07

Godina
2011

Stranica
186

Mentor
Dobrović, Slaven

Ključne riječi
Sustainable and Integrated Waste-Related Management; Material Recycling; Energy Recycling; Greenhouse Gasses Emissions; Waste Management; Waste Related Policy

Sažetak
Waste-related management is a complex topic which has evolved significantly over time. In a modern context, with the environment at the forefront, traditional methods alone cannot satisfy the needs. Even our current definition and use of the word waste needs to change. Sustainable and integrated waste-related management (SIWRM) is a holistic approach to traditional waste management, with clearly defined principles and focus on prevention and reduction. The role of waste-related products to energy (WRPtE) in this SIWRM hierarchy is very important. Also known as energy recycling, these technologies can produce some tangible quantities of energy from products otherwise considered waste. Modern technologies are designed to meet the most stringent environmental standards and in most cases are preferable to landfills as a disposal alternative. Canada’s policy towards WRPtE and SIWRM is unfocused and unclear. Provinces are left to set their own targets and the regions are supposed to develop and implement their own plans. There are benefits to a structure which allows strategies to be region specific however the environmental impact of this activity should be addressed at the national level, with policies to guide the regional activities. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a global issue and the waste-related industry is a large net producer of GHGs. With proper choices made within a SIWRM context, this industry can actually become a sink rather than a source. Each component present in our waste & recoverable products (W&RP) has its own characteristics which, if managed correctly, can be re-used for other purposes or recycled to generate new products or even energy. In Canada we generate more W&RP per capita than most developed nations, we divert a fraction of it from landfill, and we export some to the USA. The industry is a net producer of GHG emissions and current policies promote landfills over WRPtE facilities, with no clear national targets for waste reduction, diversion or conversion. Ultimately, this paper will demonstrate how Canada compares to other countries in this field, what their potential for diversion is and the associated GHG emissions for various scenarios. Recommendations are made to help Canada establish targets and development programs towards a sustainable future.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Strojarstvo, Temeljne tehničke znanosti

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