Synergistic benefits of pollution and carbon reduction in collaborative domestic solid waste disposal: A life cycle perspective

Abstract

With the acceleration of population growth and urbanization, domestic solid waste has emerged as a critical concern for the sustainable development of cities. China is actively exploring collaborative disposal models to achieve synergistic reductions in both pollutants and greenhouse gases. This study comprehensively assesses the environmental impacts of a domestic solid waste collaborative disposal park from a life cycle perspective, identifies key cooperative factors, and evaluates the overall effects of optimizing these factors. Additionally, a synergistic evaluation model for pollution and carbon reduction has been developed to quantify the degree of synergy across different domestic solid waste disposal patterns. The results indicate that the environmental benefits of domestic solid waste collaborative disposal parks primarily originate from the energy system and slag recycling processes. Conversely, the incineration and flue gas purification systems are major contributors to environmental impact and should be prioritized in environmental management and monitoring. Among the cooperative factors, material factors have the most significant influence and are critical for future optimization. This study demonstrates the environmental benefits of promoting collaborative disposal of domestic solid waste in China from a quantitative perspective, providing valuable data to support decision-makers in further optimizing or implementing such practices. Furthermore, it establishes a reference framework for analyzing other disposal models, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable waste management.