Title:
An Assessment of the Potential and Finding the Optimal Method of Biowaste Treatment in Latvia
Author(s):
Pubule, J., Blumberga, D., Romagnoli, F.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
European Union has set targets for minimization of deposited amount of biodegradable waste in landfills. European countries have to comply with the Landfill Directive 1999/31/EC and Waste Directive 2006/12/EC to reduce landfilling of the biodegradable part of MSW to 35% within the next five to ten years. They also have to comply with the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC. According to IPCC Guidelines for National GHG Inventories, the percentage of biowaste in total MSW composition is about 30% in Eastern Europe. However, in Latvia the assessed composition of waste varies a lot in different sources of literature and the biowaste fraction varies from 28% up to 58%. Thus, the potential amount of biowaste produced is uncertain. There are different methods for biowaste utilization, e.g. biogas production, anaerobic digestion and composting. During the last decade, the main actions introduced towards a more sustainable MSW management system in Latvia have included building of sanitary landfill sites, installation of separate waste collection containers and points, installation of sorting and recycling facilities, and closure and reclamation of old dumpsites. However, vision of biowaste utilization system development is lacking, and different methods have not been compared for Latvian conditions. In order to promote development of sustainable biowaste management system the potential amount of biowaste must be assessed and based on that the optimal treatment method has to be found. The paper presents the analysis of possibilities to utilize biowaste for biogas production in Latvia, including biogas production from landfill gas and biogas production from biowaste with the method of anaerobic digestion and composting. Analysis is based on selection of criteria and methodology for optimization of biowaste management and biogas production from biowaste, as well as on preliminary environmental and economic impact assessment.
Keywords:
composting, waste, digestion, management, impact
Topic:
Biomass Policies, Markets and Sustainability
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts of bioenergy
Event:
21st European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5AV.2.6
Pages:
1860 - 1864
ISBN:
978-88-89407-53-0
Paper DOI:
10.5071/21stEUBCE2013-5AV.2.6
Price:
FREE
