Environmental and Economic Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Management using WAGS Model – Air Pollutant Emission and Fuel Economy in Waste Collection Sector

Abstract

Solid waste collection, transfer and transportation (SWCTT) is a fundamental component of solid waste management systems that contributes to both the costs and environmental emissions associated with managing solid waste. The objective of this study is to project the fuel consumption and fuel costs of SWCTT in Tehran from 2018 to 2032. A further objective is to evaluate the air pollutant emissions from fuel consumption of SWCTT vehicles. For these purposes Waste Guidance System (WAGS) and Energy and Environment software were applied. Results of the present study showed that more than 39 million dollars would be required during the next 15 years in the SWCTT sector to supply 366 million liters of diesel fuel. In the context of local air pollution impact, about 9902.8, 6161.7, 73.5, 2639.6, 8065.5 and 4839.2 of NOX, SO2, SO3, CO, CH and SPM will be anticipated to be emitted by SWCTT sector in Tehran during the studied period.