The objective of this thesis is to develop and apply a model to systematically analyze the impact of recycling in reducing green house gas emissions and estimate the revenue generated from recycling at a facilities. The analysis is focused on both environmental and economical performance of a facility. Increasing global importance of carbon emissions has resulted in numerous studies on estimation of emissions from various processes. The estimation of emissions from processes like electricity usage, fuel usage etc. by a random calculation procedure yields almost similar results. The case is not the same for recycling. Some calculators totally ignore the impact of recycling while others use odd ball approach to estimate the reduction in emissions from recycling. There is a great necessity for accurate estimation of emissions not only to understand the impact on environment but also help an organization to take proper measures to minimize these emissions. This thesis will address that need.
Initially a model was developed using Microsoft Excel to estimate the waste generated at a facility. Emissions from waste were calculated using US EPA conversion factors and revenue was estimated based on recycling market prices. This model was applied to a facility in Lucas county OH. Total municipal solid waste generated was calculated. Emissions were estimated and recycling opportunities were studied at the facility.
This study revealed that the estimation of emissions from waste and recycling can be done to an acceptable level by applying the recommended model. The application of the model to the facility in Lucas County (OH) predicted that if all the recyclables that are generated at the facility can be captured and recycled, the emissions from waste can be compensated and in most cases the reduction in emissions would exceed the emissions generated at the facility from waste. Revenue generated from the recycling makes the model more attractive because, the decision makers at the facility can really understand the financial benefits of recycling. The case study of a facility discussed in Chapter 4 reveals that waste management, which is presently a liability to the facility, can be a source of revenue by recycling solid waste. The results shows that just by recycling mixed office paper generated at the facility, roughly $1500 can be obtained annually. The comparison between emissions under present conditions and suggested conditions helps the facility to focus on its major sources of emissions. The results from case study also predict that current carbon emissions from waste at the facility around 7 MTCE and that would have gone down to -11 MTCE if all the possible solid waste had been recycled. The major sources of emissions identified from the study are food waste and mixed office paper. Only a little can be done to reduce emissions from food waste, where as recycling mixed office paper can reduce emissions from 1.4 MTCE to -11.3 MTCE. This methodology can be applied to any facility in the United States with minor modifications based on the materials recycled in the region.