A framework for sustainability assessment and prioritisation of urban waste prevention measures

Waste prevention (WP) can play a significant role in pursuing both sustainable development and decarbonization. Nevertheless, a general method to monitor and evaluate WP does not exist yet. This study proposes a framework for the sustainability assessment and prioritisation of waste prevention measures (WPMs), at consumption level. Firstly, some WPMs are selected, based on relevant criteria. Secondly, their impacts are assessed, in terms of environmental, economic, and social sustainability, in a life-cycle perspective. Then, a set of significant effectiveness and efficiency indicators are chosen and calculated. Finally, an algorithm for the prioritisation is proposed. This methodological approach might be useful to guide the financing choices of the public decision-makers, to assess and promote WPMs, and to develop WP strategies. Moreover, the results can be used in waste management planning and to motivate local actors through benchmarking. The designed framework has been applied to 17 projects implemented by Municipalities in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy), as case study. The projects, whose aim is the reduction of waste from plastic disposable goods, can be grouped in three different categories: i) drinking water dispensers in towns/cities, ii) drinking water dispensers in schools and iii) replacement of disposable goods in school canteens. The project category of drinking water dispensers in towns proved to be the most sustainable one, achieving a score of 0,4265, while the other categories scored around 0,28. The study confirms that WP should be promoted, despite being very difficult to monitor. The political institutions should invest in implementing a specific monitoring system, also able to reveal potential integration of WP strategies with other policy areas. Finally, an improved institutional framework might help the Municipalities in overcoming barriers to the identification and implementation of WPMs, by allowing for coordination and networking of individual projects and by encouraging the spread of good practices.