Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and management challenges have largely risen considering rapid population growth and urbanization, particularly in developing countries such as Ghana. On the other hand, underutilization of solid waste resources coupled with landfilling and indiscriminate disposal being prevalent contributes to increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and depletion of abiotic resources. However, MSW as a resource has the potential for alternative fuel such as refuse derived fuel (RDF) to feed local industry. This paper analyzes RDF production as the basis for improved MSW management on existing structures in Ghana through the application of life-cycle modelling in OpenLCA. This study also compared scenarios of MSW management which are characterized as an improvement on the ongoing practice by incorporating RDF production. Potential environmental impacts categories considered global warming potential, photochemical ozone formation, acidification, eutrophication, human toxicity, terrestrial ecotoxicity. The results indicated that the current MSW management system contributes largely to GHG emissions. The scenarios based on RDF production imply an increase in energy demand, however, gains are also achieved in environmental terms through avoided emissions resulting from the substitution of fossil fuels. The production of RDF outperformed the conventional systems by providing emission reductions up to about 30% and cost reductions. From the perspective of impact related to resource depletion, it has been found that recycling and composting in the current scenario produces a reduction of emissions per anum, although it constitutes a minimal fraction compared to the reduction in fossil fuel. This implies that the implementation of RDF oriented management could significantly reduce the impact on current disposal capacity as well as recovering material resources. Furthermore, It could be envisaged also that the environmental advantages of RDF base scenarios will still arise when the assessment is expanded to include the reduction of indirect GHG emissions and the use of resources. The adoption of an integrated solid waste management concept, including energy recovery, will not only help to lessen MSW disposal hazards but also produce alternative sources of energy for Ghana and other developing countries.

Keywords; municipal solid waste, life cycle assessment, refuse derived fuel, environmental impacts,