This Special Issue has as its main goal to discuss the current situation and perspectives for waste-to-energy using MSW, as well as those for wastes and the circular economy, focusing mainly on developing and least-developing countries. Current situation, synergies, existing barriers, and perspectives for WtE and the circular economy should be our main subjects.

The environmental and social benefits of WtE for the circular economy are well known, and they have been extensively discussed before. In the current proposal, the idea is to go more in depth, considering the interface of WtE with the bioeconomy, mainly in developing countries.

In fact, as the figure below shows, MSW collection and treatment, as well as WtE systems, have already become a reality, though mostly in high and upper-middle income countries.

FONTE: KAZA et al, 2018

The use of WtE systems has also been growing worldwide, as shown in the figure ahead, but it is well known that this is unfortunately not the case in developing and least-developing countries, where MSW collection is reduced, and adequate treatment is almost impossible in many cases.

FONTE: IRENA, 2021.

In addition, the figure below illustrates the current situation of MSW disposal worldwide, showing the existing difficulties related to an adequate disposal process.

FONTE: KAZA et al, 2018.

Therefore, the main objective of this Special Issue is to discuss this in the context of developing and least-developing countries, and we are inviting high-quality submissions on this topic. Please note that we expect the Special Issue to be completed by December 2021. I look forward to receiving your contributions.

Sincerely yours

References:

COELHO, Suani T.; Pereira, Alessandro; Mani, Shyamala; Bouille, Daniel; Stafford, William; Recalde, Marina; Savino, Atilio. 2020. Municipal Solid Waste Energy Conversion in Developing Countries. 1st Edition.

IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency. Country Rankings – RSU – Urban Solid Waste. 2020. Disponível em: https://public.tableau.com/views/IRENARETimeSeries/Charts?:embed=y&:showVizHome=no&publish=yes&:toolbar=no. Acesso em 2 mai. 2021.

Kaza, S.; Yao, L.; Bhada-Tata, P.; Van Woerden, F. 2018. What a Waste 2.0 - A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Disponível em: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/handle/10986/30317 . Acesso em 02 mai. 2021.

Prof. Dr. Suani Teixeira Coelho
Guest Editor

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• MSW
• Waste-to-energy
• Circular Economy
• Developing countries