Global Waste – Solvable Problem as a Renewable Energy Resource

One consequence of population growth and improved living standards is an intensified agricultural production. 

That in return has caused an increase in volume and types of biomass waste generation. This causes serious problems, as rotting biomass waste e.g. emits methane, a far more devastating greenhouse gas (GHG), to the climate. Additionally, open burning by the farmers, to clear the agricultural land, generates CO2 and other pollutants. 

Incorrect management of agricultural biomass waste therefore contributes to climate change, water and soil pollution and also local air pollution.

Following are the staggering statistics of waste, generated worldwide:

• Every year we produce a gigantic amount of waste of 2.12 billion tonne. 

• Total biomass waste generated is 100 billion metric tons per year

• Total Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated is 1.3 billion metric tonne per year

• Total waste tires generated is 10 million metric tonne per year
• Hazardous waste generated is 400 million metric tonne per year

However, if properly managed, the global waste can be of high value in terms of renewable energy production. Figure 1, 2 and 3 below show the global waste is an abundant renewable energy sources and conversion of waste to renewable energy products such as electricity, heat, syngas, biofuels and chemicals potentially reduces fossil fuel usage and GHG emissions.

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