Abstract

This study critically examined waste-to-energy technologies within the context of sustainable municipal solid waste management. The paper aimed to evaluate the comparative performance of incineration, anaerobic digestion, and gasification technologies using quantitative indicators of energy recovery efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and landfill diversion rates. Guided by Circular Economy Theory and Ecological Modernization Theory, secondary data were statistically analyzed using efficiency equations and ANOVA testing. Results indicated that anaerobic digestion achieved the highest mean energy efficiency (32.7%) and greenhouse gas reduction potential (510 kg CO2-eq/tonne), while incineration demonstrated the highest landfill diversion rate (85%). Significant differences among technologies were observed at alpha = 0.05. The findings suggested that waste-to-energy technologies contributed meaningfully to climate mitigation and resource recovery when integrated within comprehensive waste hierarchies. The study concluded that technology selection should reflect waste composition, policy context, and sustainability objectives.