Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling

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Rapid Communication - Journal of Environmental Waste Management and Recycling (2025) Volume 8, Issue 3

Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Waste: Understanding the Environmental Impact

Azize Ozgur*

Dokuz Eylül University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Turkey

*Corresponding Author:
Azize Ozgur
Dokuz Eylül University, Department of Environmental Engineering, Turkey
E-mail: azize.ozgur@deu.edu.tr

Received: : 03-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAEWMR- 25- 165795; Editor assigned: 05-May-2025, PreQC No. AAEWMR- 25-165795 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-May-2025, QC No. AAEWMR- 25-165795; Revised:25-May-2025, Manuscript No. AAEWMR- 25-165795 (R); Published: 31-May-2025, DOI:10.35841/10.35841/aaewmr-8.2.268

Citation: Citation: Ozgur. A. Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Waste: Understanding the Environmental Impact. 2025; 8(3):268

Abstract

  

Introduction

As the climate crisis intensifies, the focus on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has become central to global sustainability efforts. While sectors like transportation, energy, and agriculture often dominate the conversation, waste management is a significant—and sometimes overlooked— contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. From decomposing organic materials in landfills to the energy used in waste treatment processes, the waste sector has a measurable impact on climate change. Understanding how waste generates GHG emissions is essential for developing effective strategies to reduce environmental harm and promote a more circular, lowcarbon economy. [

The most prominent source of GHGs in the waste sector is methane (CH?), which is released when organic waste— such as food scraps, paper, and yard trimmings—decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills. Methane is over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO?) over a 100- year period, making it a critical target for climate mitigation. Incinerating waste, especially materials like plastics and mixed municipal solid waste, releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, along with other pollutants. Although modern waste-to-energy (WTE) plants can recover energy, the CO? emissions remain a concern unless offset or captured.[

Wastewater treatment processes can emit nitrous oxide (N?O), another potent greenhouse gas, particularly during the nitrification and denitrification phases of biological treatment. Poorly managed facilities may also release methane from untreated or partially treated sewage.GHG emissions are also generated indirectly through the collection, transportation, and processing of waste. The use of fossil fuels in garbage trucks and machinery, as well as the energy required to operate treatment plants and recycling facilities, adds to the sector’s carbon footprint. [8].

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the waste sector contributes approximately 3–5% of global GHG emissions directly, though this number can be higher when indirect emissions are included. In many developing countries, where open dumping and uncontrolled landfilling are still common, emissions from waste can be even more significant due to a lack of methane capture or diversion strategies. Installing systems to capture and either flare or use methane from landfills can significantly reduce emissions. Diverting organic waste from landfills to composting facilities or anaerobic digesters reduces methane formation and can create useful products like biogas and compost. Reducing the need for new material production (especially plastics and metals) lowers overall emissions through energy savings. Minimizing waste generation through better product design, packaging reduction, and consumer behaviour change is the most effective way to reduce emissions. While controversial, modern WTE facilities can reduce reliance on landfills and generate energy, but must be coupled with emissions controls to minimize CO? output. [9, 10].

conclusion

Greenhouse gas emissions from waste are a significant contributor to climate change, yet they are often underestimated in public discourse. By addressing the sources of these emissions—particularly methane from landfills and CO? from incineration—societies can make meaningful progress in reducing their overall carbon footprint. Solutions lie in a combination of technological innovation, improved waste infrastructure, public participation, and policy support. Transitioning to sustainable waste management systems not only helps the environment but also supports public health and economic development. In the fight against climate change, managing waste responsibly is not optional—it’s essential.

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