Optimizing Municipal Waste Recycling for Renewable Energy Production

The management of municipal waste is a critical issue worldwide, driven by environmental concerns and the goal of achieving climate neutrality in Europe by 2050. This paper examines the waste management practices of Getlini EKO Ltd., Latvia's largest municipal waste management company, focusing on sustainable and circular approaches to waste disposal. The company has implemented advanced technologies such as biodegradable waste recycling and gasification to reduce landfill waste and generate renewable energy. A comparative analysis of traditional waste incineration and FastOx gasification technologies highlights the latter's superior efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The FastOx gasification process minimizes waste and produces synthesis gas, which can be converted into electricity or hydrogen, offering significant economic and environmental benefits. The study underscores the importance of integrating renewable energy solutions and innovative waste management technologies to meet European Union climate targets.