Strategies to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from the Solid Waste Management Sector: A Case Study of Vavuniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Te waste sector is a substantial source of GHG emissions worldwide. Open dumping and internal combustion (IC) waste collectionvehicles are signifcant sources of GHG emissions in Vavuniya. Tis research aims to estimate GHG emissions and recommendstrategies to reduce emissions from the solid waste management sector. Te IPCC methodology, considering Tier 1 estimation valuesbased on default activity data, was used to estimate CH4 emissions from solid waste disposal sites. GHG emissions from collectionvehicles were calculated based on IPCC mobile combustion recommendations. Tree recommended strategies were considered basedon demand, economic, and environmental feasibility and are expected to commence in 2025. According to current practices, opendumping generated 29.217 Gg of CO2 equivalent up to 2023, projected to rise by 37.8% by 2040. Tere will be a 57% decrease in opendumping-related GHG emissions by 2040 if composting is made mandatory for biodegradable waste, even though it producesemissions. Solar panels will be used to charge electric vehicles that will replace IC ones to cut emissions and fuel expenditures by 2025.Te carbon sink reforestation program at the district level would need to begin in 2025 with an area of 161 hectares to sequestercumulative GHG emissions from composting dumpsites and fuel vehicles to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. Investments fromVavuniya Carbon Sink Bonds (VCSB) on additional solar panels will ensure fnancial feasibility, having an internal rate of return of23.18%. It paves the path to reducing GHG emissions, which is highly emphasized in the Nationally Determined Contributions,National Climate Change Policy, and waste management policy of Sri Lanka