Project Description:
The project activity is comprised of a low-cost technology approach with passive windrows, which would be used to produce compost from mixed municipal solid waste at the Akhangaran landfill. The quality of the compost produced both in terms of physical and chemical contaminants would limit its use to substituting for soil as cover material at the landfill. The design of the system is based on a simple technology approach, where 400 tonnes of waste per day (t/d) will be composted. One advantage of a simple technology approach compared to a high technology approach is that the simple approach is designed to minimize the initial capital expenditure and the expenditures needed for operations and maintenance. Another advantage is that project participant (Industrial Board Mahsustrans) will be able to start its composting operation with the simple technology approach system, and have it evolve into a high technology approach system once any operational issues with the composting process are addressed, and the market for quality compost becomes better defined.
How greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced:
The project will reduce methane gas emissions by diverting high organic waste from direct disposal at a landfill (where anaerobic process occurs) to a composting plant (aerobic process). The aerobic composting process reduces the formation of green house gas (GHG) emissions.
Contribution of Project Activity to Sustainable Development:
Currently the waste at the Akhangaran landfill is processed anaerobically, without taking any measures taken to avoid the production of methane gas. Introducing the aerobic processing of compostable waste will have significant positive impacts on the environment.
Based on research and calculations the project will generate some 407,313 tCO2 equivalents over the 7-years period 2008 - 2014 (first crediting period).
The following environmental, economic and social benefits are achieved by executing the project:
1. Environmental benefits - assists in preventing uncontrolled GHG generation and emission from waste that would have been disposed at the landfill; reduces leachate and need for expensive leachate collection measures; reduces releases of harmful gas from landfill; and by conserving space, extends the life of the landfill.
2. Economical benefits - Carbon credit funds to be:
a. Used to help cover operations and maintenance costs, and some reinvestment in equipment replacement in the future, to ensure the sustainability of Tashkent's solid waste management system.
c. Conserve space at the main landfill
d. Provide soil as cover material at landfill;
3. Social benefits - improved working conditions for waste pickers, increase in number of jobs for local waste pickers, and improved landfill management.
