Environmental assessment of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal options: A case study of Olushosun landfill, Lagos State

Abstract

Abstract Landfills are known to be one of the anthropogenic sources of methane (CH4) and this gas is an important contributor to global warming. Aside the threat posed by methane, if properly managed, it could be harnessed as a source of energy. The efficient management of landfill generated CH4 gas would require the accurate prediction, monitoring and utilization of this useful source. Therefore, this study is focused on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of Olushosun landfill in Lagos metropolis. Environmental benefits between operation of landfills with and without gas recovery systems in Olushosun landfill were determined. LCA analysis showed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the present waste disposal system was 3,029,151tons of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2). The adoption of sanitary landfill with gas recovery system is a preferred management route for solid waste disposal in Lagos metropolis due to CO2 emissions reduction of 1,725,761 tons. The results obtained also corroborate the use of LCA as a decision support tool in waste management system. It is therefore recommended that LCA should be implemented in developing countries to reduce long term environmental effects of waste management activities.