Municipal solid waste management. Types and comparative study case: Finland and the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The scope of this research is to present to the public knowledge the types of municipal solid waste (MSW), as well as ways of management of each type. It reflects the analysis of management methods practiced nowadays, such as recycling, composting, landfilling and Waste-to-Energy method. A comparative study case is initiated on the present practices of MSW management in Finland and in the Republic of Moldova. The outcome of the comparison reflects the benefits of waste-to-energy incineration plants towards the landfilling which is the main MSW treatment in Moldova. Based on the specific example of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) incineration plant in Lahti, Finland - Kymijärvi II power plant – it is emphasized the importance for Moldova to switch from landfilling to waste-to-energy technology that benefits both the environment and the recovery of energy that can be used by the citizens. Since the non-recyclable waste is being combusted and taken advantage of, it helps to switch the focus from the utilization of natural resources and it contributes to building up circularity between waste and production of new energy. The comparative study between incineration plants and landfilling proves that waste-to-energy technology is superior to landfilling when referring to greenhouse gas emission reduction and landfill gas recovery, as higher emission reduction and landfill gas utilisation can be obtained with an incineration system.