Energy recovery from municipal solid waste

This paper presents an analysis of the causes of underutilization of landfill biogas in Brazil focusing on the economic instruments used to encourage the energy recovery of municipal solid waste (MSW). Although the energy use of MSW in Brazil is far below its identified potential the importance of studying this topic goes beyond the energy perspective. Waste disposal is one of the biggest problems facing societies today. Even with more restrictive legislation (Law 12.305/2010) there is a major challenge to enforce the provisions of the law. The energy recovery of MSW is part of this sustainable waste management strategy as it combines economic and socio-environmental benefits with energy generation through an alternative and renewable input and environmentally appropriate waste disposal. This work was developed based on links between economic theory Brazilian legislation and practices in the energy and urban waste management sectors.