An analysis of the environmental, economic and biogas potential of solid waste management in Diyarbakır province

This thesis investigates the environmental, economic, and energy production potential of municipal solid waste management in the province of Diyarbakır. The study focuses on four central districts—Kayapınar, Bağlar, Yenişehir, and Sur—where population density and waste generation are high. According to data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), approximately 1,226 tons of household waste are produced daily. Assuming that 45% of this waste is organic in nature, the study estimates that around 130 million cubic meters of biogas could be generated annually. This amount of biogas could yield approximately 780 million kWh of electrical energy. Furthermore, replacing fossil fuels with this energy source would potentially prevent the emission of around 390,000 tons of CO₂ annually. The findings emphasize that solid waste should not be considered merely as an environmental burden but rather as a valuable resource for renewable energy and economic gain. The study also highlights existing structural problems such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of waste separation at the source, and low levels of public awareness. Based on these findings, the thesis recommends the expansion of biogas infrastructure, enhancement of the technical and administrative capacity of local governments, and the implementation of public education programs. Overall, the study presents a sustainable solid waste management model tailored to Diyarbakır and offers a strategic framework that could be adapted to similar urban settings facing parallel environmental and waste management challenges. Keywords: Solid waste management, biogas, renewable energy, environmental impact, energy production