Biogas utilization from municipal solid waste in developing countries towards the transition to sustainable development – The Colombian case

Abstract

Sustainable Development (SD) encompasses the enhancement of quality of life through social, economic, and environmental pillars. Biogas utilization from landfills (BUL) is a widely adopted technique in the United States and some European regions. However, myths persist regarding its implementation in Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as in certain low-and middle-income economies. This article aims to assess the electricity generation potential in Colombia's major cities and highlight the significant contribution of BUL in achieving public policies objectives for SD and climate change mitigation. The study underscores that Colombia undervalues the potential of BUL when formulating public policies, overlooking its substantial impact in fulfilling at least 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords

• sustainability; climate change; waste management; energy transition; developing countries; waste pickers