Zero Waste Disposal (ZeWAD): A Case Study with Economic Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65582/gti.2026.015Keywords:
Zero Waste, Circular Economy, Source Segregation, Recycling, Anaerobic Digestion, Material Flow AnalysisAbstract
Sustainable waste management systems are urgently needed in developing countries to replace conventional landfilling systems. This study aims to conduct a Material Flow Analysis and economic feasibility assessment of a Zero Waste to Landfill Disposal (ZeWaD) system in Ghana. The system integrates source segregation, three onsite treatment technologies: anaerobic digestion, recycling and incineration, export of excess recyclables to external industries and import of special waste for incineration. Results show a high diversion rates from landfill (100%) and incineration (77%) which needs improvement. Waste composition averaged 39.3% organics, 49.73% plastics, 9.3% paper, and 0.62% other materials. Also, incineration generated the highest direct revenue, exceeding US$2,500 per year, mainly from treatment of special external waste. Compared with the pre-ZeWaD disposal cost of US$962 per year, the system achieved an annual net benefit of US$2,901 through direct revenues and avoided disposal costs. The financial feasibility assessment produced an internal rate of return of 36% and a payback period of 5 years, indicating strong economic viability. Overall, ZeWaD presents a flexible integrated modular design with linkages to external value chains. Although demonstrated at the institutional level, it presents preliminary evidence of a potential for further research, targeting wider adoption while supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Ghana’s climate mitigation agenda.
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