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A systems analysis tool for construction and demolition wastes management.
James Y Wang1, Ali Touran, Christoforos Christoforou
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA. jywang@coe.neu.edu
Waste Management (New York, N.Y.)
|November 30, 2004
Summary
This study models the economic impact of construction and demolition (C&D) waste landfill restrictions on contractors and processors. The developed system analysis model evaluates various waste management scenarios for cost-benefit analysis.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management
- Environmental Economics
Background:
- Municipalities face challenges with diminishing waste disposal capacity due to construction and demolition (C&D) waste.
- Massachusetts proposed a policy restricting landfill disposal of unprocessed C&D waste materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the potential economic impact of C&D waste landfill restrictions on construction contractors and waste processors.
- To develop a model for evaluating cost-benefit scenarios in C&D waste management.
Main Methods:
- Developed a spreadsheet-based systems analysis model using the mass balance principle.
- The model tracks C&D waste streams through generation, source separation, processing, recycling, and disposal.
- Incorporated material flow and cost/revenue data for economic analysis.
Main Results:
- The model provides economic analysis for proposed C&D waste management scenarios.
- A case study for Massachusetts illustrates the model's application.
- Quantifies economic impacts on stakeholders within the C&D waste sector.
Conclusions:
- The developed model aids in evaluating the economic feasibility of C&D waste management policies.
- Informed decision-making for contractors and processors facing regulatory changes.
- Highlights the importance of waste management system analysis for economic sustainability.