Addressing a Critical LCI Data Gap in Developing-Country Waste Systems

Many commercial LCI databases provide datasets for engineered sanitary landfill systems typically found in developed countries. However, in many developing countries, waste is still managed through uncontrolled landfill sites, unsanitary landfills, and open dumping systems for which robust LCI datasets are often unavailable.

DEISO supplies estimated Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data for these waste disposal conditions, enabling clients to model environmental emissions where no ready-to-use dataset exists.

Estimated LCI for Open Dumpsites and Uncontrolled Landfills

We estimate emissions from waste disposal systems that are not properly engineered, including emissions to:

• Air
• Water
• Soil

The output can be supplied per 1 kg of waste type or waste composition, depending on the study objective and data availability.

Waste Types and Material Fractions Covered

DEISO can estimate LCI emissions for a wide range of waste components and waste streams, including municipal solid waste and electronic waste systems.

Climate-Sensitive and Context-Specific Estimation

Different climatic conditions can significantly influence waste degradation behavior and resulting emissions. DEISO considers context-relevant climatic conditions when estimating emissions for open dumps and uncontrolled landfill systems.

This improves the relevance of the resulting inventory for local or regional developing-country applications.

Client Input Data Requirements

Clients typically provide the input parameters required for estimation. These parameters are usually straightforward and can often be obtained from:

• Municipalities and city waste authorities
• Waste management engineers and technical experts
• Government websites and official departments
• National statistics agencies
• Technical reports and local environmental studies

We use these inputs to estimate a complete emissions inventory for landfilling or open dumping scenarios in the target city, region, or country.

Optional Data Collection Support by DEISO

If your organization cannot provide the required landfill or dumpsite input parameters, DEISO can perform this work on your behalf as an additional service.

In such cases, we investigate the target country or city, gather available technical information, and develop the necessary parameter set for an additional fee, depending on scope and data accessibility.

Deliverables

• Estimated LCI inventory in Microsoft Excel format
• Supporting report or technical documentation
• Waste-specific or full mixed-waste inventory outputs
• Emissions per 1 kg of specific waste type or aggregated waste stream

Flexible Service Scope

Our LCI supply service is waste-specific and flexible. Clients may request:

• LCI data for a single waste type such as organic waste, plastic, or paper
• LCI estimates for a specific e-waste fraction
• A complete mixed-waste inventory for open dumping or uncontrolled landfilling
• Custom estimation scopes aligned with LCA project objectives

Who This Service Is For

• LCA practitioners and environmental consultants
• Researchers and academic institutions
• Municipalities and government entities
• Waste management authorities in developing countries
• Organizations requiring context-specific waste emissions inventories