What is it about?
In this article, we evaluate different options for managing waste that ends up in landfills, using a real case study in Colombia. We analyse how sustainable these alternatives are and which has the least impact on the environment, considering everything from gas emissions to the possibility of using biogas to generate energy. The objective was to find solutions that not only reduce pollution but can also be applied in a practical way in the Colombian context, helping to improve waste management and contribute to a cleaner future.
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Why is it important?
This research is important because it comprehensively analyses alternatives for the final disposal of municipal solid waste, a critical issue for public health and the environment in Colombia and other countries with similar contexts. What makes it unique is that it uses the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to compare not only the environmental impact of each option, but also its practical feasibility in a real-world scenario, using concrete data from a Colombian case study. Its approach combines the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions with the exploration of biogas energy use, offering a comprehensive view that allows for evidence-based decision-making. In this way, it provides a useful tool for designing policies and strategies that reduce pollution while generating sustainable energy and economic benefits.
Perspectives
Writing this article was a deeply enriching experience because it allowed us to connect environmental science with real, local challenges in waste management. Working with actual data from a Colombian case made the research both demanding and rewarding, as it grounded our analysis in reality rather than theory. For me, the most fulfilling part was showing that it is possible to turn what many see as a problem municipal waste into an opportunity for cleaner energy and reduced emissions. I hope this work inspires decision-makers and practitioners to see waste management not just as a necessity, but as a chance to create environmental and economic value for their communities.
Dr. Ramon Fernando Colmenares Quintero
Fundación Berstic and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: An evaluation of final disposal alternatives for municipal solid waste through life cycle assessment: A case of study in Colombia, Cogent Engineering, January 2021, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/23311916.2021.1956860.
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