FOOD WASTE COLLECTION VERSUS FOOD WASTE DISPOSERS: A CASE STUDY OF A PORTUGUESE CITY
- Pedro Melo Rodrigues - School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Guarda, Portugal
- Ricardo Rodrigues - School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Guarda, Portugal
- Fátima David - School of Technology and Management,, Polytechnic of Guarda, Portugal
- Nuno Melo - School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Guarda, Portugal
- Elisabete Soares - School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic of Guarda, Portugal
- Available online in Detritus - Volume 25 - December 2023
- Pages 3-9
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Copyright: © 2023 CISA Publisher
Abstract
The European Union (EU) prioritises sustainable development and aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through investments in green technologies and a legislative climate framework. Waste collection and treatment systems, including biowaste like food waste, protect natural capital and citizens' well-being. Directive 2008/98/EC defines biowaste and sets the stage for exploring alternative solutions. This study focuses on the city of Guarda (Portugal) and analyses the use of disposers for food waste treatment. By comparing storage/collection systems with disposers regarding environmental and economic costs and benefits, the study aims to determine the most effective solution for collecting food waste. The analysis utilises a simulator provided by the Portuguese Fundo Ambiental®. The results show that while operating costs are higher for food waste collection systems, disposers require a more significant initial investment. Nevertheless, the cost-benefit ratio favours disposers, while the net present value analysis suggests that the food waste collection system is more favourable. Additionally, food waste collection systems contribute to higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per tonne of food waste compared to using disposers.Keywords
Editorial History
- Received: 05 Sep 2023
- Revised: 01 Dec 2023
- Accepted: 13 Dec 2023
- Available online: 31 Dec 2023
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