Management of Bio-Waste Generated in the Krakow Metropolitan Area in the Context of Circular Economy Strategies for Residential Heating

The article assesses the energy potential of biodegradable municipal waste in the Krakow Metropolitan Area, analyzing the feasibility of using derived biomethane for residential heating by 2050. Framed within the circular economy and the European Green Deal, the study highlights a significant technological gap in Poland, contrasting it with successful models in Austria, Germany, and Italy. Empirical data from 2023–2024 indicate that kitchen waste (code 20 01 08) is an optimal feedstock for methane fermentation due to its stable annual flow, whereas green waste (code 20 02 01) presents challenges due to high seasonality. Simulation modeling suggests that annual biomethane production from kitchen waste could range from approximately 1.23 million m3 (Variant 3) to over 1.42 million m3 (Variant 4). A key finding is the synergy between waste-to-energy transformation and building thermal modernization. By reducing energy demand, the consistent volume of kitchen waste processed from 2024 could potentially supply heating for between 4928 and 8180 apartments by 2050. Ultimately, the research underscores the role of metropolitan integration in achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing regional energy security, and reducing emissions.