Abstract:In this study, an improved eco-efficiency analysis based on the integrated hybrid life cycle assessment method has been proposed. The eco-efficiencies of five typical municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment scenarios, landfilling, landfilling with landfill gas utilization, incineration, composting+landfilling, and composting+incineration, were evaluated using the proposed method. The trade-offs in the sustainability performance of the MSW treatment scenarios were also investigated. The results show that most of the eco-efficient scenarios were different across the sustainability domains. For example, with respect to human health damage, incineration had the highest economic eco-efficiency, and landfilling with landfill gas utilization had the highest social eco-efficiency. Trade-offs in the sustainability performance of the MSW treatment scenarios were obvious, indicating that ignoring certain impacts will induce unintended problem-shifting in MSW management. Five MSW treatment scenarios showed various environmental impact performances. The climate-change impact scores of the non-incineration scenarios and human-toxicity impact scores of the incineration scenarios were predominant. Equipment and machinery use and diesel use dominated the resource depletion impacts in all the scenarios, whereas MSW treatment processes dominated the economic performance and other environmental impacts. The improved eco-efficiency analysis can support sustainable MSW management and provide comprehensive information for improving the effectiveness of MSW management policies in China.