Cradle to Gate
Identity ID
d4046da9-10e0-429f-ac9c-4c702da6fff6
Waste treatment
Associated ID
832621a5-c0bd-42ba-861d-b85ec85710cb
Included activities starts
Included activities ends
Description
This dataset focuses on the environmental impacts of landfill treatment of kitchen waste, covering the entire process from waste collection and transportation to landfill gas utilization for electricity generation. The landfill process includes "waste collection and transportation -> landfill compaction -> HDPE membrane covering -> landfill gas collection and electricity generation." Within the landfill area, waste is layered according to operational units, with each layer controlled to a thickness of 1--2 meters. After reaching a total thickness of 7--8 meters, the waste is covered with soil and sealed with an HDPE membrane to form a closed unit. This process emphasizes a compaction density of no less than 0. 95 t/m³ to reduce volume and accelerate the stabilization process. This step involves the consumption of resources such as electricity and HDPE membranes, with data directly derived from actual operational records of similar municipal solid waste landfill operations. To prevent the generation of large quantities of leachate during landfilling from contaminating groundwater, the landfill is equipped with a leakage prevention system and a leachate drainage system. Through a network of primary and secondary drainage ditches, drainage wells, and pipes, leachate generated from the waste is effectively channeled to a wastewater storage and regulation pond. The pollutants in leachate are mainly BOD5, CODCr, and NH3-N. Treatment using a 'biochemical + integrated physicochemical method' can degrade as many high-molecular-weight organic compounds in wastewater as possible and achieve nitrogen removal, with the effluent quality meeting the national standard for pollution control of municipal solid waste landfill (GB16889-2008). Since the main sources of landfill leachate are external precipitation, inherent moisture in the waste, and water generated from the decomposition of organic components in kitchen waste, this study assumes that the wastewater generated from kitchen waste is consistent with that produced during the landfilling of municipal solid waste. The organic matter in kitchen waste decomposes during landfilling, producing landfill gas, which can be collected, purified, and used for electricity generation. Based on organic carbon oxidation calculations, the generated landfill gas is estimated at 131.8 Nm³ per ton of kitchen waste, yielding 79.385 kWh of electricity. During the landfill process, approximately 30% of the gas is not collected and is released into the environment as pollutants.
Activity Description
The landfill treatment of kitchen waste is a complex process involving multiple steps, designed to minimize environmental impact. First, the waste is collected and transported, then layered and compacted at the landfill to increase density and accelerate stabilization. After each layer is compacted, it is covered with an HDPE membrane to form a sealed cell, reducing gas emissions and leachate generation. The landfill is equipped with a liner and leachate drainage system to ensure effective collection and treatment of leachate, with treated water quality meeting national standards. Landfill gas generated during the process is captured and used for power generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nevertheless, some gases may still be released into the environment without being collected.
Process Description
kitchen waste on a dry basis: average organic matter content of 80–100%, crude protein 14–30%, and crude fat 15–30%; on a wet basis: moisture content 70–90%, oil content 3%, and salt content 1%.
Time period
2022
2026
Geography
China
Macroeconomic value
Business-as-Usual
Data validation
Yes
Technology
Current Technology
Technology comment
Since the main components of kitchen waste are organic materials, which are easily decomposed under natural conditions, it can be directly landfilled. The landfill process is simple in technology, low in cost, and capable of handling large volumes. Moreover, organic matter can undergo anaerobic fermentation to produce biogas, making landfilling widely used in solid waste treatment. However, the utilization rate of landfill biogas is low, resulting in the loss of most organic resources in kitchen waste. Additionally, landfilling requires large land areas and can easily generate leachate and bacteria, causing secondary pollution, ultimately leading to a series of environmental and ecological pollution problems.