Assessing the Feasibility of Waste-to-Energy Projects for Sustainable Solid Waste Management in the National Capital Region, Philippines

Abstract

The study assesses the feasibility of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) projects as an alternative to traditional landfilling for solid waste management in the National Capital Region (NCR) of the Philippines. Waste analysis from 11 NCR cities reveals an average processing fee of 1,610.00 Pesos per ton for WTE, three times higher than landfilling costs. Despite this cost disparity, implementing WTE projects could offer significant land savings, crucial in densely populated areas like the NCR. Preliminary designs of WTE power plants provide estimates for construction and operational expenses, aiding in cost-benefit analyses. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the economic challenges associated with WTE, possibly through policy interventions such as subsidies or incentives. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the potential of WTE projects in addressing solid waste management issues in urban areas. However, overcoming the cost disparity between WTE and landfilling remains a critical barrier to widespread adoption. Future efforts should focus on developing strategies to make WTE economically competitive while leveraging its potential benefits in land conservation and sustainable energy production.