Work

Comparative Analysis of Low‐Carbon Transition Pathways for Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems in China and England: An Analysis Based on Life Cycle and Scenario Simulation

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Municipal solid waste (MSW) is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and its management influences global warming potential (GWP). China and England pursue distinct MSW management priorities—China emphasizes reducing high‐emission disposals and advancing a recycling system, whereas England refines recycling and biological treatment within its mature infrastructure. Therefore, this study examined two countries through a life cycle assessment model covering direct, indirect, and avoided emissions and conducted a comparative analysis under four scenarios. The results indicated that MSW systems in both countries decreased GWP levels over time. Within the 40‐year timeframe, the net emissions per ton of MSW decreased by 175.5% in China and 234.7% in England. In the idealized scenario for 2050, both systems achieved net‐negative emissions, and the resource utilization treatment pathway was the key driver of the carbon footprint changes associated with the systems. This study supports the design of targeted waste‐sector emission reduction policies.

Source: Sustainable Development

DOI: 10.1002/sd.70689

Authors: Xiao Gu, Feiyu Chen, Aiduan Borrion

Institutions: China University of Mining and Technology, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Municipal Solid Waste Management

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Scholarship Council, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities