Global Waste — Solvable Problem as a Renewable Energy Resource

One consequence of population growth and upgraded living standards is an intensified agricultural production. Which in return has caused a rise 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 tons.

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

✔ Total Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated is 1.3 billion metric tons per year

✔ Total waste tires generated is 10 million metric tons per year

✔ Hazardous waste generated is 400 million metric tons per year

However, if properly managed, 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 source and conversion of waste to renewable energy products such as electricity, heat, syngas, biofuels, and chemicals potentially reduces fossil fuel usage and GHG emissions.