Analysis of typical solid waste treatment and disposal modes and carbon emissions in provinces (municipality) along the Yangtze River Economic Belt

The management of solid waste pollution in the Yangtze River Economic Belt is crucial for the ecological environment protection and restoration campaign. In order to gain a deep understanding of solid waste management and carbon emissions along the river, this study conducts quantitative analyses on the generation characteristics, treatment and disposal features, and comprehensive environmental impacts (in terms of carbon emissions) of typical solid wastes such as domestic waste and municipal sludge. The analyses are based on data from statistical analysis and model prediction methods. The results indicate that in 2022, the total generation of domestic waste and municipal sludge in the provinces and cities along the Yangtze River was approximately 105 million tons and 5.08 million tons, respectively. It is projected to reach approximately 122 million tons and 6.46 million tons by 2025, with Jiangsu Province having the largest total generation (approximately 25.85 million tons and 1.74 million tons for domestic waste and municipal sludge, respectively). The downstream areas showed the largest gaps (approximately 13.20 million tons and 1.63 million tons). Incineration is the primary disposal method for both domestic waste and municipal sludge, accounting for around 76.1% and 77.8% on average, respectively. The total carbon emissions from domestic waste and municipal sludge are estimated to reach 22.89 million tons and 90.21 million tons, respectively, with unit emission intensities of approximately 0.24 CO_(2-eq) t/ t and 2.21 CO_(2-eq) t/ t. Based on the generation characteristics and carbon emission intensities of domestic waste and municipal sludge in various provinces and cities along the Yangtze River Economic Belt, this paper proposes optimization management recommendations to promote low-carbon treatment and disposal of solid waste in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.