Optimization of a MSW separation system
The maximum recovery of recyclables from municipal solid waste (MSW) using six material recovery facility (MRF) technologies is determined. Two waste streams at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany are analyzed; stationary container wastes and commingled recyclables. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) tools are applied to the criteria of mass recovery rate and benefit-cost ratio. Recovery is determined using the recovery factor transfer function (RFTF) of Diaz et al. Each technology, or unit operation, in a sequence is independent because particle size distribution of each waste component is considered. Benefit-cost is based on revenue from sold recyclables, tipping fees to landfill unseparated waste, and manual labor and amortized equipment costs. Six unit operations are considered: magnet, eddy current separator (ECS), magnet, air classifier, screen, manual sort, and shredder. Process trains of up to six operations are considered. The result is a tradeoff between 69% that recovery of commingled recyclables only and recovery of stationary container waste only at a benefit-cost of 0.54 and are dominated by the 35% recovery of 35% of both waste streams at a benefit-cost of 0.34. Hand sort recovers the most mass and is cost effective, followed by ECS, then magnet. The modeling technique can be applied to any MRF configuration and waste stream. This is expected to help MRFs increase recovery and revenue while decreasing costs. This is important when the prices for recyclables are low as they are now.
- Research Organization:
- Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20006494
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-990608-; TRN: IM200008%%101
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Air and Waste 92nd Annual Meeting and Exhibition, St. Louis, MO (US), 06/20/1999--06/24/1999; Other Information: 1 CD-ROM. Operating Systems: Windows 3.1, '95, '98 and NT; Macintosh; and UNIX; PBD: 1999; Related Information: In: Air and Waste 92nd annual meeting and exhibition proceedings, [9500] pages.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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