Abstract: As an important component for achieving the “dual carbon” goals and establishing “zero-waste cities”, the resource utilization of decoration waste has emerged as a critical pathway for urban sustainable development. This study focused on a representative decoration waste recycling enterprise in Zhejiang province, developing a precise carbon footprint accounting model for decoration waste resource utilization using the Process-based Life Cycle Assessment (PLCA) methodology. The accounting model systematically quantified carbon emissions at each stage of resource utilization (in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent), and identified key factors that affect the carbon footprint through sensitivity analysis. Results revealed that the decoration waste resource utilization process could be divided into six distinct stages: transportation, production, recycling, resource recovery, incineration, and landfilling. The treatment of one metric ton of decoration waste yields a net carbon reduction of 242.58 kg, demonstrating significant carbon reduction benefits. The production stage is the primary source of carbon emissions (57.62 kg), while the recycling and incineration stages are key contributors to carbon reduction (?178.42 kg and ?96.09 kg, respectively). The calorific value of combustibles, carbon emission factors of recycled products substituting construction materials, and the contents of concrete, bricks and combustibles were identified as key parameters influencing the carbon footprint of decoration waste resource utilization. To enhance carbon reduction efficiency of the resource utilization of decoration waste, this study suggested implementing source separation controls, improving sorting precision, and developing high-value recycled products.

Key words: decoration waste, resource utilization, carbon footprint, process-based life cycle assessment, sensitivity analysis