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Title: Building waste management core indicators through Spatial Material Flow Analysis: Net recovery and transport intensity indexes

Abstract

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sustainability and proximity principles have a key role in waste management. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Core indicators are needed in order to quantify and evaluate them. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A systematic, step-by-step approach is developed in this study for their development. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transport may play a significant role in terms of environmental and economic costs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Policy action is required in order to advance in the consecution of these principles. - Abstract: In this paper, the material and spatial characterization of the flows within a municipal solid waste (MSW) management system are combined through a Network-Based Spatial Material Flow Analysis. Using this information, two core indicators are developed for the bio-waste fraction, the Net Recovery Index (NRI) and the Transport Intensity Index (TII), which are aimed at assessing progress towards policy-related sustainable MSW management strategies and objectives. The NRI approaches the capacity of a MSW management system for converting waste into resources through a systematic metabolic approach, whereas the TII addresses efficiency in terms of the transport requirements to manage a specific waste flow throughout the entire MSW management life cycle. Therefore, both indicators could be useful in assessing key MSW management policy strategies, such as the consecution of higher recycling levels (sustainabilitymore » principle) or the minimization of transport by locating treatment facilities closer to generation sources (proximity principle). To apply this methodological approach, the bio-waste management system of the region of Catalonia (Spain) has been chosen as a case study. Results show the adequacy of both indicators for identifying those points within the system with higher capacity to compromise its environmental, economic and social performance and therefore establishing clear targets for policy prioritization. Moreover, this methodological approach permits scenario building, which could be useful in assessing the outcomes of hypothetical scenarios, thus proving its adequacy for strategic planning.« less

Authors:
 [1];  [2]
  1. ENT Environment and Management, Carrer Sant Joan 39, First Floor, 08800 Vilanova i la Geltru, Barcelona (Spain)
  2. Institut de Ciencia i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona (Spain)
Publication Date:
OSTI Identifier:
22086571
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Waste Management
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 32; Journal Issue: 12; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Journal ID: ISSN 0956-053X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE WASTES, AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES; BIOLOGICAL WASTES; COST; EFFICIENCY; INDICATORS; LIFE CYCLE; MATERIALS RECOVERY; MUNICIPAL WASTES; PLANNING; RECYCLING; SOLID WASTES; SPAIN; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; WASTE PROCESSING

Citation Formats

Font Vivanco, David, E-mail: font@cml.leidenuniv.nl, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Puig Ventosa, Ignasi, and Gabarrell Durany, Xavier. Building waste management core indicators through Spatial Material Flow Analysis: Net recovery and transport intensity indexes. United States: N. p., 2012. Web. doi:10.1016/J.WASMAN.2012.06.010.
Font Vivanco, David, E-mail: font@cml.leidenuniv.nl, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Puig Ventosa, Ignasi, & Gabarrell Durany, Xavier. Building waste management core indicators through Spatial Material Flow Analysis: Net recovery and transport intensity indexes. United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2012.06.010
Font Vivanco, David, E-mail: font@cml.leidenuniv.nl, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Puig Ventosa, Ignasi, and Gabarrell Durany, Xavier. 2012. "Building waste management core indicators through Spatial Material Flow Analysis: Net recovery and transport intensity indexes". United States. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.WASMAN.2012.06.010.
@article{osti_22086571,
title = {Building waste management core indicators through Spatial Material Flow Analysis: Net recovery and transport intensity indexes},
author = {Font Vivanco, David, E-mail: font@cml.leidenuniv.nl and Institute of Environmental Sciences and Puig Ventosa, Ignasi and Gabarrell Durany, Xavier},
abstractNote = {Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Sustainability and proximity principles have a key role in waste management. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Core indicators are needed in order to quantify and evaluate them. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A systematic, step-by-step approach is developed in this study for their development. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Transport may play a significant role in terms of environmental and economic costs. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Policy action is required in order to advance in the consecution of these principles. - Abstract: In this paper, the material and spatial characterization of the flows within a municipal solid waste (MSW) management system are combined through a Network-Based Spatial Material Flow Analysis. Using this information, two core indicators are developed for the bio-waste fraction, the Net Recovery Index (NRI) and the Transport Intensity Index (TII), which are aimed at assessing progress towards policy-related sustainable MSW management strategies and objectives. The NRI approaches the capacity of a MSW management system for converting waste into resources through a systematic metabolic approach, whereas the TII addresses efficiency in terms of the transport requirements to manage a specific waste flow throughout the entire MSW management life cycle. Therefore, both indicators could be useful in assessing key MSW management policy strategies, such as the consecution of higher recycling levels (sustainability principle) or the minimization of transport by locating treatment facilities closer to generation sources (proximity principle). To apply this methodological approach, the bio-waste management system of the region of Catalonia (Spain) has been chosen as a case study. Results show the adequacy of both indicators for identifying those points within the system with higher capacity to compromise its environmental, economic and social performance and therefore establishing clear targets for policy prioritization. Moreover, this methodological approach permits scenario building, which could be useful in assessing the outcomes of hypothetical scenarios, thus proving its adequacy for strategic planning.},
doi = {10.1016/J.WASMAN.2012.06.010},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/22086571}, journal = {Waste Management},
issn = {0956-053X},
number = 12,
volume = 32,
place = {United States},
year = {Sat Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 2012},
month = {Sat Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 2012}
}