Life Cycle and Cost Estimation of Solid Waste Management Practices: A Conceptual Framework

Multifaceted urbanization, population expansion, and unsustainable resource consumption are responsible for the bulk accumulation of municipal waste, which is a significant environmental issue. The management of municipal solid waste (MSW) has long been an issue faced by different cities in developing countries like India. Along with its compositional variety, the amount of solid waste is continually increasing. Achieving sustainable waste management through integrating policy decisions with achievable goals and controlling economic and environmental extremities is a major challenge. Almost all Indian cities, except the metropolises, practice open dumping as a means of MSW disposal. This practice of open dumping is a major environmental concern and poses serious health concerns owing to the direct burning and/or decomposition of wastes that produce poisonous substances and greenhouse gases. A comprehensive strategy for managing solid waste using techniques like sanitary landfilling, anaerobic digestion, composting, refuse-derived fuel, incineration, etc., is a current necessity. The life cycle analysis (LCA) technique evaluates the cumulative potential environmental impacts. This chapter provides a comprehensive theoretical foundation for the life cycle and cost estimation of solid waste management practices. It has been observed that both financial and economic aspects must be taken into consideration prior to application of a particular method of waste management. A thorough analysis of the different studies and a light on the methodology and the recommended indicators would be beneficial for strategic planning as well as making decisions and policies concerning the creation of suitable sustainable municipal solid waste management methods.