Model for evaluating municipal waste management system applying the LCA: Part I: Review of LCA Software

Focusing on the concept according to which waste is considered as a resource, sustainable waste management objectives implying environmentally effective, economically affordable, and socially acceptable management, have been developed. To achieve a sustainable system, the concept of LCT (life cycle thinking) is an appropriate approach. LCT approach can help to reduce environmental impacts. There are several methodologies for assessing and measuring these impacts, and the LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is one of the analyses based on this approach. LCA is regulated in accordance with ISO 14040 and implies a process that examines environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts on the life cycle of the product or service. The aim of this study is to develop a model for the evaluation of the municipal waste management system using LCA methods to ensure a sustainable system. With this model, it is possible to assess the efficacy and the cost of the treatment of municipal waste and to determine the influence of both the total system and the individual waste treatment on the environment. In the first part of this study, LCA as a useful tool for the planning or management of solid municipal waste is presented in details, including the phases of the LCA study. The second part of this study deals with several models for assessing environmental consequences of solid waste management systems with the life cycle thinking approach. In the last part of the study, the model for the evaluation of the municipal waste management system using the life cycle assessment method is developed. This model can estimate the environmental performance and economic costs of various options for waste management.