Recycling packaging waste from residual waste reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Recycling packaging waste from residual waste can help alleviate resource pressure. However, its environmental and economic benefits remain uncertain, which hinders the widespread application of packaging waste recycling. This study assessed the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environmental impacts, and external costs of a government-recommended technology for recycling packaging waste by applying Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and ChintaxRCP model. The results showed that packaging waste recycling reduced GHG emissions by an average of 348.1 kg CO2-eq/t residual waste, and external costs by 376.7 <euro>/t residual waste, due to the decrease in incineration. If all packaging waste in residual waste is recycled, over 60% of the total GHG emissions and about 80% of the external costs of residual waste management can be avoided. Moreover, sensitivity analysis indicated that the content of paper and plastic had a significant impact on the environmental impacts of residual waste management. This study demonstrates that recycling packaging waste instead of incineration can bring environmental and economic benefits in the long run. The study provides quantitative evidence to support policies for waste management and increases confidence in the utilization of low-value recyclables for the government.