Enhancing Solid Waste Management in Fiji: A Comprehensive Approach with LCA, GIS, and Waste Treatment Strategies
Laisa Matagi, Delmaria Richards, Helmut Yabar, Takeshi Mizunoya, Gia Hong Tran, Christian Toochukwu Ogbonna
Abstract
• Indicates life cycle assessment is crucial in assessing landfilling, biogas, and recycling. • Analysis of global warming potential (GWP) for CO2, CH4, and N2O. • Managing solid waste in SIDS: Challenges and solutions in Fiji and the Pacific Region. • Applied integrated approach to waste management in SIDS. • Recommendations for sustainable waste management in Nasinu Town, Fiji. Small island developing states (SIDS) face persistent challenges in managing household solid waste due to inadequate waste management infrastructure. This study investigates the existing solid waste management practices in Nasinu Town Council, Fiji, through waste characterization survey (WACS) and life cycle assessment (LCA), accompanied by geographic information system (GIS) analysis to evaluate potential waste treatment facilities. Various strategies are explored, including recycling inorganic waste and converting organic waste into energy. Landfill gas recovery is identified as a significant contributor to reducing toxic gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) emissions. Furthermore, treating organic waste reduces landfill volume and minimizes the release of pollutants. The study emphasizes the importance of supportive policies for effective solid waste management and highlights how organic waste treatment can improve waste management in Nasinu Town. This research, unique among SIDS studies, provides valuable insights and replicable technologies applicable to the study area and the broader Pacific Region, with the potential to significantly improve solid waste management practices.