DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Samuel van der Swaagh

12/04/12

Research Portfolio Entry #3

 

                In “Aerobic in-vessel composting versus bioreactor landfilling using life cycle inventory models,” Maria Theresea L Caboraban, Milind V. Khire, and Evangelyn C. Alacilja present an environmental cost/benefit analysis of in-vessel composting versus bioreactor landfilling. In this article, the authors claim that in terms of climate change, in-vessel composting is more efficient than bioreactor landfilling. However, as far as human safety from air and water emissions, as well as saving energy, the bioreactors are the way to go. The study tentatively argues that, although in-vessel composting proves to be more environmental in regards to reducing greenhouse gases, bioreactor landfilling seems to be more a favorable route of disposing solid waste due to savings in costs, energy, and airborne and waterborne emissions.

 

                Using various life cycle inventories (LCI), the study uncovers the fact that although in-vessel composting is most effective in reducing greenhouse gases, overall bioreactor landfilling is more beneficial. As the article states “Emissions of greenhouse gases are larger from the landfill alternative,” however, “operating an in-vessel composting facility consumes about twice more energy than what is required for a bioreactor landfill” (Cabaraban, M. I., Khire, M. V., & Alocilja, E. C., 2008).  Bioreactor landfills produce more greenhouse gases than in-vessel composting, yet bioreactors landfills are more sustainable when it comes to the actual process. As the article states further, “The creation of addition collection routes for organics, and recyclables, will involve additional vehicles on the roads and could negatively impact the environment due to increased emission from fuel use unless low-emission fuels are used for these vehicles . . . . These additional routes will also translate into increased collection costs” (Cabaraban, M. et al ,2008). The problem with in-vessel composting in comparison to bioreactor landfilling is that it encourages an environmental way of disposing of waste that is, in the end, more environmentally and economically costly. In short, when one performs a cost/benefit analysis of in-vessel composting versus bioreactor landfilling, one must consider the long term costs in addition to the immediate benefits.

 

                In our global environmentally conscious society, people must realize that sometimes the most sustainable route for dealing with our stuff is not necessarily the most environmental approach. If New Yorkers ever run into the dilemma of either in-vessel composting or bioreactor landfilling, it would seem wise for the City to choose the former because it is cheaper, safer, and overall more environmental. I have learned that it is always important to analyze sustainable initiatives holistically rather than in its mere positive or negative results.

 

 

 

References

 

Cabaraban, M. I., Khire, M. V., & Alocilja, E. C. (2008). Aerobic in-vessel composting

               versus bioreactor landfilling using life cycle inventory models. Clean

               Technologies and Environmental Policy, 10(1), 39-52. doi:

               10.1007/s10098-007-0125-4

 

 

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Submitted Version of 12/04/12:

Research Portfolio Entry #3.docx

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.