Municipal organic solid waste management in the concept of urban mining and circular economy: a model from Palestine

Abstract

Municipal organic solid waste in Palestine is causing several environmental and social problems. This paper studied management of this waste stream in the concept of urban mining and circular economy through composting and reuse the produced compost for different purposes as an indicator for the circular economy through the period extended from 2021 up to 2035. Two compost reuse scenarios are studied: use for agricultural purposes, and use as landfill cover materials. For agricultural purposes, compost can be used as an alternative fertilizer where nutrients in compost can replace the existing chemical fertilizers available in Palestine such as humic acid as a source of carbon, Ammonium Sulphate as a source of nitrogen, Triple Super Phosphate as a source of Phosphorus, and Potassium Phosphate source of Potassium. The estimated revenue from compost use in agriculture is USD 194.8 million in 2021 and USD 369.8 million in 2035. The estimated saving from using compost as landfill cover is USD 0.876 million annually, and USD 13.14 million during the 15 years’ study period. Implementation of the circular economy principles in municipal solid waste management through composting can close the materials recycling loop, generating extra income, and adding net revenue to the national economy.