Systematic review on environmental impact assessment of incineration technologies

Effective municipal solid waste (MSW) management is essential for sustainable urban development and reflects the growing interdependence between human progress and environmental integrity. This paper presents a systematic review of the environmental implications of incineration technologies through life cycle assessment (LCA), as applied to MSW management. This study scrutinizes how these technologies influence environmental sustainability, tackling both the hurdles and forward strides in the realm of waste-to-energy (WtE) transformations. The analysis points out significant areas where research is lacking, emphasizes the emerging relevance of incorporating social and socio-economic dimensions in evaluations, and calls for the enhancement of data precision in LCAs to bolster their trustworthiness. The research highlights the dynamic field of waste management technologies and their repercussions on eco-sustainable practices. It advocates for a thorough appraisal that amalgamates the environmental, economic, and societal dimensions of assorted WtE modalities, including incineration, to grasp their full sustainability potential. This methodology is intended to guide the formulation of more eco-sustainable waste handling strategies and the adept governance of greenhouse gas emissions following incineration, aiming ultimately to provide a more nuanced comprehension of the environmental impacts of incineration technologies across diverse locales and technological progressions.