Carbon dioxide and Energy flows in Jämtland’s waste sector

Abstract: The aim of this study is to assess the current situation of energy and carbon flows through the waste sector in Jämtland. An energy flow analysis is performed by balancing the inflows and outflows of the lower heating value and embodied energy. A carbon flow analysis was made on the same principles although with the carbon content and embodied CO2eq.  The results are showing that over a period of one year, 75 000 tons of waste flows through the waste sector in Jämtland. Approximately 60 % of all the waste is incinerated. The energy analysis shows that 970TJ flows through the waste sector every year. Household waste is the category with most energy consumption and emissions in total. However, other materials like metal and electronics have higher energy and carbon content per ton than the household category. The results of the analyses can further be implemented in the Sustainable Jämtland model and it can then be used as a base when making strategies for a sustainable waste treatment.