Assessing China’s potential for reducing primary copper demand and associated environmental impacts in the context of energy transition and “Zero waste” policies
Waste Management, vol. 144, pp. 454–467
Abstract
To conserve resources and enhance the environmental performance, China has launched the "Zero waste" concept, focused on reutilization of solid waste and recovery of materials, including copper. Although several studies have assessed the copper demand and recycling, there is a lack of understanding on how different waste management options would potentially reduce primary copper demand and associated environmental impacts in China in the context of energy transition. This study addresses this gap in view of a transition to low-carbon energy system and the optimization of copper waste management combining MFA and LCA approaches. Six types of waste streams (C&DW, ELV, WEEE, IEW, MSW, ICW) are investigated in relation to various "Zero waste" strategies including reduction, reuse (repair, remanufacturing or refurbishment), recycling and transition from informal to formal waste management. Under present Chinese policies, reuse and recycling of copper containing products will lead to a somewhat lower dependency on primary copper in 2100 (11187Gg), as well as lower total GHG emissions (64869 Gg CO2-eq.) and cumulative energy demand (1.18x10^12 MJ). Maximizing such "Zero waste" options may lead to a further reduction, resulting in 65% potential reduction of primary copper demand, around 55% potential reduction of total GHG emissions and total cumulative energy demand in 2100. Several policy actions are proposed to provide insights into future waste management in China as well as some of the challenges involved.
Authors 7
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Leiden University · Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research
Affiliation as printed
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, The Hague, the Netherlands
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO, The Hague, the Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Affiliation as printed
TU Wien, Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, Vienna, Austria
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Ministry of Natural Resources · China University of Geosciences · China University of Geosciences (Beijing) · Key Laboratory of Carrying Capacity Assessment for Resource and Environment, Ministry of Land and Resources
Affiliation as printed
School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; Key Laboratory of Carrying Capacity Assessment for Resource and the Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100083, China
Key Laboratory of Carrying Capacity Assessment for Resource and the Environment, Ministry of Natural Resources, Beijing 100083, China
School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
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Affiliation as printed
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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