Analysis of Renewable Energy Potential from Urban Household Waste: Toward Sustainable Waste Management and Energy Recovery in Smart Cities
Keywords:
Urban Household Waste, Renewable Energy, Waste-to-Energy (WTE), Sustainable Urban Development, Circular EconomyAbstract
The increasing volume of urban household waste, driven by rapid urbanization and changing consumption patterns, poses significant environmental and energy challenges for modern cities. This research investigates the potential of converting household waste into renewable energy as a sustainable solution to urban waste management and energy insecurity. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes the composition and energy content of household waste, estimates energy yields from various conversion technologies, and evaluates the feasibility of integrating waste-to-energy (WTE) systems into local infrastructure. The findings reveal that organic waste, paper, and non-recyclable plastics represent the most promising feedstocks for energy recovery. Anaerobic digestion and incineration emerge as efficient technologies capable of generating electricity and heat from these materials. The estimated energy output indicates a significant potential contribution to the local energy grid, particularly when supported by effective waste segregation and modern processing infrastructure. The study also explores the implications of WTE in the context of energy policy, urban planning, and sustainability, highlighting opportunities for integration into smart city frameworks and circular economy models. However, challenges such as public awareness, infrastructure limitations, and policy gaps must be addressed to enable successful implementation. In conclusion, this research underscores the viability of urban household waste as a renewable energy resource and calls for a multidisciplinary effort to unlock its full potential for sustainable urban development.
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