Waste management systems between Europe and Latin America: a life cycle thinking approach

In contemporary times, the waste sector has emerged as a central focus for sustainable development initiatives worldwide. In response to the urgent need for effective waste management solutions, this doctoral thesis aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of waste management systems across diverse geographic regions, focusing on the European Union and Latin America. The primary objective was to uncover and scrutinize disparities within these regions concerning the waste sector and its management practices. The methodology involved employing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and, when applicable, complementing it with Life Cycle Cost (LCC). In the European context, three case studies were developed during the program. The initial study utilized LCA to examine PVC production, addressing the global issue of plastic pollution. The second case study compared the impacts of conventional and biodegradable plastics in a composting plant, assessing environmental and economic implications through LCA and LCC. The third case study centered on Italy and extended LCA application to entire waste management systems, emphasizing Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) contributions to Waste Management Plans (WMPs). The final case study examines the waste management system (WMS) of the Cercado de Lima district in Lima (Peru), considering both formal and informal waste streams. Through life cycle assessment, the study models waste processes, encompassing household waste generation, composition, collection, transportation, and disposal between the current baseline scenario and a scenario analysis. A comparison between the current baseline scenario and scenario analysis reveals that landfilling substantially contributes to environmental impacts, whereas enhancements in informal recycling have a positive effect on various environmental indicators. Key observations highlighted the necessity of local-level solutions tailored to regional conditions, emphasizing communication campaigns and citizen awareness. Overall, the transition from virgin to bio-based materials, enhanced waste separation, and integration of the informal sector were identified as impactful strategies.