Methane Generation From A Municipal Solid Waste In Jamaica

Abstract

Waste reduction is recognized by the United Nations as a logical starting point for sustainable solid waste management. The United State Environmental Protection Agency defines waste reduction as “a broad term encompassing all waste management methods – source reduction, recycling and composting – that results in a reduction of waste going into a landfill or combustion facility”. Waste reduction strategies have received much attention in developing countries, leading to an increase understanding of their application and thus their ultimate societal prevalence. This project analyses the possibility of applying one such waste reduction technology “landfill gas to energy” which is a form of composting at the Riverton City Landfill in Jamaica. It examines the feasibility of developing a landfill gas to energy project at the Riverton City landfill which receives 60% of the Island waste. The design of a landfill gas to energy plant which is complemented with a methane extraction and collection system and suitable electrical system, an economic analysis was done. The analysis revealed that the initial investment (start-ups) cost is expensive and the government might not be able to afford it at this time. This project is a viable, if applied as a Clean Development Mechanism Emission Reduction project it can open the Island to more global opportunities for dealing with international organizations. Revenues gained can be used to help the municipality improve its finance.