Waste for Value: Designing Small-Scale Energy Recovery Centers for Apartment Dwellers in Addis Ababa
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This research investigates the feasibility and transformative potential of small-scale waste-toenergy (WtE) systems in Addis Ababa’s apartment complexes to address escalating solid waste management challenges and foster sustainable urban development. The study aimed to design community-driven WtE solutions that minimize landfill dependency and produce renewable energy. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study integrated quantitative waste characterization, resident surveys, technical assessments, and qualitative stakeholder interviews across three apartment complexes of varying sizes in diverse neighbourhood. The research quantified waste generation patterns, revealing substantial organic waste suitable for WtE conversion, and evaluated technologies, identifying anaerobic digestion (AD) as the most viable due to its compatibility with high-moisture organic waste, low emissions and compact design suitable for urban constraints. Technical assessments confirmed AD’s feasibility, particularly in medium complexes, where sufficient basement space and garbage chute availability facilitate integration, producing energy for communal lighting or cooking. Socially, strong resident willingness to sort waste, motivated by incentives like energy credits, supports adoption, though challenges such as social stigma around waste handling and irregular collection require targeted interventions like resident committees and awareness campaigns. Economically, AD systems are viable with initial costs offset by potential savings and subsidies, aligning with global models like Bangalore’s residential AD success. The study proposes AD pilots in medium complexes to reduce landfill pressure, enhance energy reliability amidst frequent outages, and position Addis Ababa as a model for contributing to urban resilience and sustainable development goals.
Keywords: waste-to-energy, anaerobic digestion, solid waste management, apartment complexes