Evaluating Waste-to-Energy Technologies as a Waste Management Solution for Uganda

Abstract

Currently, the world generates 2.01 billion tonnes of waste annually and this is expected to increase to 3.401 billion tonnes of waste by 2050. The continual generation of waste is at the forefront of combating climate change because the waste generated is associated with GHG emissions among other environmental concern. Literature reports that developing countries are lagging the developed countries in waste management and yet these regions are expected to account for most waste generated by 2050. This chapter focuses on the application of Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Techniques in Uganda (developing country) as a way of managing waste, and recommends policies that the Government of Uganda could adopt from the UK to successfully implement these initiatives. The WTE technologies analysed are landfill gas recovery, anaerobic digestion, incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification. The chapter also reviews the current solid waste situation in Uganda with a comparative analysis of the technologies. Since Uganda is a low-income country, it is advised that the country enters Public-Private Partnerships where the developers build and own the technologies. The assessment is informed by literature and personal judgement. Recommendations are made to the GOU on how best to support stakeholders of WTE initiatives further areas of study are highlighted.