Microsoft Word - Environmental benefits of recycling 2010 update.doc

Other indicators

Acidification

In this impact category the situation is quite diverse, since there is no clear preference for either the best or the
worst treatment route. Anaerobic digestion is superior in the case in which it has been included, but the sample
is not sufficient. On the other hand, landfill seems to be the worst in most cases but one. Interestingly, when
there is a comparison available between them, incineration performs better than composting.

Table 76 Ranking of end-of-life options within each scenario for acidification

Case Composting

Incineration

with energy

recovery

Landfill

Anaerobic

digestion

1[OR] +++ +

2[GW1] ++++

2[GW2] ++++

3[FW1] ++++

3[FW2] +++ + +++ best option

3[FW3] +++ + + worst option

7[OR] ++++option not assessed

Studies n°4,  5  and  6  do not include this indicator

* Composting scenario assuming total anaerobic degradation

Acidification

(kg SO 2  eq)

Photochemical oxidation

The conclusion that emerges from the table below is that incineration with energy recovery is the most beneficial
option. It is also interesting to note that composting performs better than landfill.

Table 77 Ranking of end-of-life options within each scenario for photochemical oxidation

Case Composting

Incineration

with energy

recovery

Landfill Anaerobic^

digestion

1[OR] +++ +

2[GW1] ++++ +++ best option

2[GW2] ++++ ++ intermediary option

4[FW1] ++ +++ + ++ + worst option

4[FW2] ++ +++ + ++ option not assessed

7[OR] +++ +

Photochemical

oxydation

(kg ethylene

eq)

Studies n°3,  5  and  6  do not include this indicator