The Waste Treatment Chain and Its Climate Impact
The waste treatment chain includes numerous processes: transportation, mechanical sorting, landfill disposal, recycling, and recovery. Each of these steps produces greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which directly contribute to climate change.
At Hiriya Recycling Park, operated by the Dan Region Association for Sanitation, it was recognized that assessing the climate impact requires not only measuring landfill diversion and recycling rates but also monitoring actual emissions from waste management operations.
In recent years, two comprehensive studies have been conducted to measure and evaluate the site’s contribution to climate change mitigation.
1. Hiriya Carbon Calculator – An Innovative Environmental Management Tool
One of the Association’s goals is to manage waste in the most environmentally friendly way, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, a dynamic carbon calculator was developed, allowing:
- Measurement of the greenhouse gas impact of Hiriya Recycling Park operations.
- Comparison of emission savings against a baseline scenario (all waste sent to landfill).
- Assessment of savings from raw material reuse and alternative energy use, such as RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) as a substitute fuel in Nesher cement plants.
Key questions the calculator addresses:
- How much greenhouse gas is emitted over a given period from waste treatment?
- How many tons of greenhouse gas are generated per ton of waste at each treatment facility in Hiriya?
- Is there a trend of improving emission reductions?
- What are the best future alternatives for waste management?
How it works:
- Comprehensive mapping of all waste treatment processes, from waste reception to end-of-line facilities (landfills, recycling plants, or recovery units).
- Emission calculation including transport, converted into CO₂-equivalent units.
- Baseline scenario comparing emissions if all waste were landfilled.
- Avoided emissions calculated from material recovery and the use of alternative fuels.
Decision-making tool:
Beyond measurement, the carbon calculator supports strategic waste management decisions, future scenario analysis, and long-term environmental planning.
2. Reducing Climate Pollution – ISWA Study Results
How did closing the landfill contribute to climate change mitigation?
Key questions regarding Hiriya:
- Can the closure of the landfill be quantified in terms of greenhouse gas reduction?
- Can the operational improvements at the site be translated into a real contribution to climate action?
In 2018, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) conducted a global study, including Hiriya as a case study, evaluating the impact of closing uncontrolled landfills on greenhouse gas emissions.
Uncontrolled landfills – a major source of emissions:
- Uncontrolled waste disposal leads to severe environmental impacts.
- Main consequences include:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from uncontrolled decomposition.
- Methane release, with 25 times the warming potential of CO₂.
- Air pollution, soil contamination, and public health risks.
Rehabilitation of landfills and transition to advanced treatment methods always involve emission reduction measures and prevention of gas release into the atmosphere.
Actions taken at Hiriya:
- Stopped uncontrolled waste dumping.
- Installed a gas extraction system from the landfill body.
- Established Hiriya Recycling Park as a modern industrial waste management complex.
- Built an RDF plant to recover energy from non-recyclable waste.
ISWA Study Results:
- 65% reduction in CO₂ emissions, a key metric for global warming potential.
- Significant reduction in emissions following site rehabilitation measures.
These findings highlight the critical importance of immediate action in areas lacking proper waste treatment and demonstrate the significant contribution of closing uncontrolled landfills to climate change mitigation.
ISWA Study on Climate Benefits of Landfill Closure – Click here