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Embedding technology and management for circularity in MSW clean tech value chain: An LCA attributional modelling
Hema Diwan1, Hitesh Kavasia1, Jitender Singh2
1Indian Institute of Management, Mumbai, 400087, India.
The Science of the Total Environment
|March 19, 2026
Summary
This study benchmarks municipal solid waste management (MSWM) ecological impacts using life-cycle assessment (LCA). Circularity strategies significantly mitigate human toxicity and environmental damage, offering sustainable waste processing solutions.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Waste Management
Background:
- Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) presents significant ecological challenges.
- Conventional MSW treatment often lacks efficiency and sustainability.
- Understanding the reverse supply chain's environmental footprint is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To benchmark the ecological impacts of an integrated MSWM facility's reverse supply chain in Mumbai, India.
- To compare a circular MSWM system against conventional methods.
- To identify key impact areas and mitigation potentials within MSW processing.
Main Methods:
- An attributional life-cycle assessment (LCA) was performed using GaBi software.
- Ecological and human-related impacts were quantified using indicators like ecotoxicity and depletion potentials.
- Circularity interventions (energy recovery, reuse, recycling) were assessed across various MSW operations.
Main Results:
- Biomining, composting, and transportation were identified as major contributors to human toxicity and ecological impacts.
- Circularity approaches, including material and landfill gas recovery, effectively mitigate these impacts.
- Specific operations showed high potential for reducing ecological and health-related burdens.
Conclusions:
- Attributional LCA provides critical insights for optimizing MSW recovery processes.
- Implementing circularity strategies reduces reliance on landfilling and promotes sustainable waste-to-energy systems.
- Focusing on material and energy recovery hotspots offers significant environmental and health benefits.
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