Assessing the Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste using Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

This research use a life cycle assessment (LCA) paradigm to investigate the environmental effects of plastic waste management practices. The environmental impacts of these processes are measured using experimental data. The acquisition of raw materials, particularly in plastic manufacturing, results in considerable environmental consequences, including an energy expenditure of 1200 MJ and the release of 300 kg of CO2. Likewise, waste processing activities, such as plastic shredding and molding, need 1500 MJ of energy and produce 400 kg of CO2 emissions. The operational lifespan of the product is underscored in its usage phase, wherein Plastic Product A and Plastic Component B exhibit cumulative energy consumption of 100 MJ/year and 120 MJ/year, alongside emissions of 20 kg CO2/year and 25 kg CO2/year, respectively, thereby accentuating the significance of a product’s lifecycle. The end-of-life phase underscores the variety in recycling rates, emphasizing the need for more effective recycling techniques. This comprehensive LCA methodology delineates critical areas for improvement, directing sustainable plastic waste management methods and fostering environmentally responsible decision-making within the sector. The results provide a more sustainable method for handling plastic garbage and diminishing its ecological impact.

Keywords

• sustainability
• environmental impact
• life cycle analysis
• environmental impact
• sustainable practices