Περιβαλλοντικά και ενεργειακά οφέλη από την ανακύκλωση στερεών αποβλήτων ενός μικρού δήμου με την χρήση του μοντέλου WARM

The present thesis examines the environmental and energy benefits of solid waste recycling in a small municipality. This study shows that recycling should no longer be considered an option but an urgent necessity, both for ensuring sustainability and protecting the environment. This necessity arises not only from the obvious environmental risks but also from less widely known factors. One such factor is the limited availability of landfill space, making alternative waste management strategies, such as recycling, imperative. To analyze these issues, five different scenarios were developed. The analysis was based on data from the recycling facility for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. Each scenario varies the percentage of waste directed to landfills, allowing for a comparative assessment of the impact of different waste management strategies. The necessary calculations were performed using the latest version of the Waste Reduction Model (WARM), developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). WARM is a user-friendly tool that presents its results in familiar measurement units, making them easier to interpret. Examples of such units include propane bottles, passenger vehicles, and gallons of gasoline. The results from applying this software highlighted the significance of alternative waste management approaches, reaffirming their crucial role in reducing environmental impacts. Furthermore, the findings emphasize the contribution of these practices to improving resource efficiency, conserving energy, and shaping a more sustainable and cost-effective waste management system.