Methane Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste - Case Study in Cai Rang District, Can Tho City, Vietnam

Abstract

This study investigates the current situation and projects CH4 emissions from municipal solid waste in Cai Rang district, Can Tho city by 2050. Total 60 households at Tan Phu ward (urban area) and Ba Lang ward (countryside area) - Cai Rang district were chosen for daily collected solid waste, then sorted into organic, inorganic, and recyclable categories over a one-week period. Results show that daily household waste generation significantly increased from Friday to Sunday, peaking on weekends. Organic waste constituted the largest fraction, consistently higher in urban areas (0.55 - 0.65 kg/person/day) than countryside (0.45 - 0.60 kg/person/day). Both inorganic and recyclable waste also exhibited an upward trend towards the weekend and were found in higher volumes in urban zones. The waste generation peaks during weekends, with urban households generating more organic and recyclable waste than countryside ones. By 2050, the study area discharge organic waste about 62.880 tons/year, and CH4 emissions are expected rise to 973.8 tons/year, corresponding. The growth in emissions correlates with increased waste volume, driven by urban expansion and population growth, significantly worsen methane release. The study emphasizes the need for urgent intervention through the implementation of advanced solid waste treatment technologies such as composting, anaerobic digestion, or waste-to-energy incineration. These strategies are vital to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development in urbanizing areas like Cai Rang district.