A performance evaluation framework for optimized management of multi-source solid waste synergistic disposal in zero-waste cities

With the acceleration of urbanization, the generation of multi-source solid waste has continued to increase, placing significant pressure on urban ecological environments and resource utilization efficiency. In the context of “Zero-Waste City” initiatives, collaborative treatment has gradually emerged as an important technological pathway for improving the resource recovery efficiency of solid waste.Based on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, this study employs the EASETECH model to establish an analytical framework for the collaborative treatment system of multi-source solid waste. Taking the first batch of China's “11+5” Zero-Waste City pilot programs as the research objects, the environmental performance of collaborative treatment modes is systematically evaluated.The results indicate that the collaborative treatment of multi-source solid waste can significantly enhance the overall environmental performance of urban solid waste management systems, with average environmental benefits across pilot cities increasing by approximately 20%–60%. Among the assessed indicators, climate change mitigation, human toxicity reduction, and fossil resource conservation show the most substantial improvements, while improvements in ozone depletion and certain eutrophication indicators remain relatively limited. Overall, the findings demonstrate that collaborative treatment of multi-source solid waste holds considerable potential for advancing the development of Zero-Waste Cities and improving the overall performance of urban solid waste management systems.