A Feasibility Study for an Integrated Waste Management System

The focus of this study is on non-landfill alternatives, including small-scale modular thermal processing technologies, such as incineration, gasification, pyrolisis, and other similar technologies because the soil and hydrogeological conditions in the area are not well suited for landfilling municipal solid waste (MSW). The study will review current municipal waste practices to determine total tonnage of waste produced, waste composition and current waste diversion rates. Following the review, potential alternatives will be generated and evaluated based on environmental impacts, transportation networks, infrastructure requirements, energy efficiency, financial implications and life cycle analysis. The preferred waste management system will then be selected, which will involve a waste diversion program combined with a single, joint, non-landfill waste disposal facility (such as a small-scale modular thermal processing facility) to manage post-diversion residual wastes. Anticipated environmental benefits include an estimated reduction of 6,500 cubic metres per year (m3/yr) of MSW in landfills; an estimated reduction of 1,000, 000 m3/yr in methane gas; a reduction in the number of operating landfills; an avoidance/reduction of impacts associated with the existing landfills and future landfills, such as land usage, leachate production and greenhouse gas (GHG) and/or methane production; and, the potential for energy generation from the new facility.