Energy production from municipal solid waste in low to middle income countries: a case study of how to build a circular economy in Abuja, Nigeria

The volume of municipal solid waste produced in many cities low to middle income countries exceeds the capacity handling facilities causing environmental and health risks. This study provides most comprehensive analysis date energy options for Abuja, Nigeria. We use recently available data on generation from Abuja authorities, integrated with secondary literature. is combined standard relationships between composition production compare potential thermochemical conversion anaerobic digestion meet requirement Abuja. In addition, we assumptions about digestate nitrogen release estimate organic fertilizer digestate. fraction [7.1 × 10 7 (±4 6 ) kg y −1 ] has produce 3.6 (±2 5 m 3 biogas. could provide 7.8 2 MWh electricity, equivalent 8% annual electricity 4.0 MJ heat, 5.3 (±3 4 as bio-fertilizer only. Potential power by heat much greater, 7.73 , 83% but does not bio-fertilizer. Using remaining that 91.5% requirements, while also producing Barriers implementation include informal recyclers poor collection procedures, absence public education, weak policies lack funding. There a need periodic review legislation create circular economy