Development of an optimized sustainable waste management system for Aruba

Rapidly increasing waste generation is posing significant challenges to small island developing states (SIDS) where geographic isolation, high population densities, limited regulatory frameworks and competing land uses compound issues related to municipal solid waste management. This is particularly the case in Aruba where the majority of waste is deposited without pre-treatment at landfill. This PhD will focus on the development of optimized, sustainable small scale waste management systems tailored to the specific characteristics and challenges of SIDS, such as Aruba. The main aim of the PhD research is to divert waste from landfill and improve municipal solid waste management by maximizing local reuse, recycling as well as energy and resource recovery. The development of these waste management systems will be based on life cycle and material flow analysis. The research will determine optimal source separation in view of maximizing local resource recycling and recovery, taking into account the specific socio-economic context of Aruba. Investigated technologies can include e.g. fermentation of organic fractions, small-scale waste incineration with energy recovery or component remanufacturing technologies.