Synergistic evaluation methodology for pollution and carbon reduction in the field of solid waste resource utilization

China is currently facing two major strategic tasks: fundamentally improving the ecological environment and achieving carbon peaking and neutrality goals. Solid waste resource utilization not only can avoid environmental problems caused by end-of-life disposal but can also effectively reduce the ecological damage and greenhouse gas emissions during the extraction and manufacture of virgin resources. Theoretically, it offers the dual benefits of pollution reduction and carbon emissions mitigation. However, existing quantitative research on synergistic evaluation of pollution and carbon reduction is primarily focused on the atmospheric field, lacking theoretical support for the solid waste sector. This study constructs a methodology for synergistic evaluation in the solid waste sector, and applies it to typical cases of copper tailings. The results confirm the synergistic benefits of pollution and carbon reduction through solid waste resource utilization. This study not only provides a methodological basis for conducting synergistic evaluations of pollution and carbon reduction in the field of solid waste but also offers insights for China to promote synergistic efficiency in pollution and carbon reduction under the construction of ‘Zero-Waste city’.