Characterization of Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Urban Solid Waste in Baja California: A Proposal to Incorporate Technical Input into Decision-Making

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Published: Nov 14, 2016
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17428/rfn.v27i54.232
Keywords:
urban solid waste GHG decision-making mitigation strategies Baja California

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Gabriela MUÑOZ MELENDÉZ
Lilia Betania Vázque z González

Abstract

This study details estimates of greenhouse gas (ghg ) emissions from urban solid waste in Baja California using the ipcc 1996 method. Calculations showed an increase of 0.604 Gg/ year for the period 1990-2010. The forecast for emissions predicts a continuous increase for the next 35 years. Seven mitigation scenarios were developed: 1) 30 percent emission reduction, 2) biodigester, 3) a comprehensive option, 4) biowindows, 5) composting, 6) vermicomposting, and 7) biocover. Results from scenario building showed that it is possible to design actions or even combine strategies, with the most ef fective being those including social components and technological options.

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How to Cite
MUÑOZ MELENDÉZ, G., & Vázque z González, L. B. (2016). Characterization of Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Urban Solid Waste in Baja California: A Proposal to Incorporate Technical Input into Decision-Making. Frontera Norte, 27(54), 5–28. https://doi.org/10.17428/rfn.v27i54.232
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Vol. 27 No. 54 (2015): julio-diciembre, 2015
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Papers

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Notas

Methane global warming potential (GWP) is 21 times that of CO2 when a time horizon of 100 years is considered (IPCC, 1996); the GWP is much higher when a 20-year time horizon is applied. Evidently, the choice of time horizon can have a dramatic effect on the estimated climate impact of methane emissions. On the other hand, GWP of methane is 25 CO2eq. under 2006 IPCC methodology.

1 Gg = 109 = 1 000 tonnes.

Although there is an IPCC methodology dated 2006. The 1996 methodology was applied because has international recognition and acceptance. The 2006 is still under international scrutiny.

The IPCC methodology for estimating CH4 emissions from disposal sites is based on the First Order Decay (FOD) method. This method assumes that the degradable organic component (degradable organic carbon, DOC) in waste decays slowly throughout a few decades, during which CH4 and CO2 are formed. If conditions are constant, the rate of CH4 production depends solely on the amount of carbon remaining in the waste. As a result emissions of CH4 from waste deposited in a disposal site are highest in the first few years after deposition, then gradually decline as the degradable carbon in the waste is consumed by the bacteria responsible for the decay (IPCC, 2006).