Asia Pacific Environmental and Occupational Health Journal

Objective: To estimate the potential of municipal solid waste (MSW) as a resource for bioenergy. Methods: The viability of MSW-based bioenergy options, techno-economic and environmental impact assessments were conducted using mathematical equations. Result: The average volume of waste in Klang increased by 29.4% between 2011 (14,912.80 t/month ± 821.17) to 2017 (19,300.47 t/month ±829.44). In average, the area generates 199,593.48 ±16,094.14 t/yr of waste where 72% of the waste is a potential resource for bioenergy that has the potential to generate 1,977.97 kWh/yr of electricity. The amount also could reduce GHG emission of 784.91 t/yr CH4 which is equivalent to 19,622.75 t/yr CO2. This translates to approximately US$184.82/yr. of electricity selling and US$1,833.56/yr. of carbon credits. Environmental impact evaluation shows about 2.38 ha/yr. of land area and 41,914.63 m3/yr leachate production can be avoided. The cost saving of US$142,300.26 for land area, US$351,483.69 for leachate treatment, and US$2,008,478.19 for tipping fee could be achieved. This strategy also removes the emission of other landfill gas constituents such as H2S (56%) and NMOCs (44%) and avoids heavy metals contamination into the environment (35% Zn and Pb, 14% Cr, 11% Cu, and 5% Cd). Conclusion: MSW-based bioenergy option is potential as a resource of energy and considerable benefit to the environment and economically feasible.