The generation of solid waste has increased dramatically in China, owing largely to the rapid development and expansion of the Chinese economy. The management of solid waste is critical and becoming a challenge for some cities in China. Waste recycling is an effective solution to solid waste management and seeks to balance ecological sustainability with economic improvements. This study assessed the energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction potential of solid waste using an embodied energy/carbon model from a life cycle perspective. The results showed that compared with the production of virgin materials, solid waste recycling results in a reduction of 294.2 Mtce in energy consumption, and 614.5 Mt in CO2 emission is shown in 2017. The recycling of steel waste was the highest contributor, accounting for more than 45% of energy conservation and at least 62% of CO2 reduction. If 100% recycling of recyclable waste like steel waste and plastic waste can be achieved, energy conservation and CO2 reduction could reach 551.89 Mtce and 933.69 Mt, respectively, accounting for 12.29% of energy consumption and 8.46% of CO2 emission. A robust recycling system must be established to achieve the purpose of environment production and resource conservation. The proposed evaluation framework could help in the decision-making process. The waste classification must be promoted to increase waste recovery rate and improve waste reproduction technology to maximize energy conservation and CO2 emission reduction.
Keywords: CO2 emission reduction; Embodied energy and carbon; Energy saving; Recyclable waste; Recycling potential; Waste management.