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Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Single Stream and Multi-Stream Waste Recycling Systems

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  • Costantino Berardocco

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Hannah Delawter

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Thomas Putzu

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Larson Curtis Wolfe

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

  • Hao Zhang

    (School of Integrated Sciences, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA 22807, USA)

Abstract

An increasing trend of moving towards single-stream waste management systems is occurring in many municipalities. This is because of the ability to process greater quantities of materials, minimize material management costs, and maximize recycling convenience and participation. Research on evaluating comprehensive sustainability (economic, environmental, and social) of the two streams is very limited. This study looks to gain an in-depth understanding of two waste management systems and assist in the decision-making processes of municipalities. To achieve this, the study provides a framework for evaluating economic, environmental, and social impacts as well as a sustainability assessment of single- vs. multi-stream waste management systems within the scope of a typical North American college town. A life cycle assessment framework was employed. The scope of the assessment includes production of materials, collection, sorting, and processes included in a material recovery facility (MRF). The functional unit is 1 ton of municipal solid waste. The case study was conducted on a North American college city during its transition from multi-stream recycling to single-stream recycling. The sustainability assessment result of the case study reveals that the single-stream recycling collection cost is slightly lower (USD 86.96/ton) than the multi-stream recycling collection cost (USD 89/ton). Additionally, the GHG emissions for the single-stream recycling system (10.56 kg CO 2 eq/ton) are slightly higher than for the multi-stream recycling system (9.67 kg CO 2 eq/ton). This is due to the complexity of the processes involved in the MRF. Nevertheless, recycling rate is the determining factor for life cycle GHG emissions and costs. Municipal solid waste policymakers could benefit from this study by using the framework and study results for tactical and strategic decision-making.

Suggested Citation

  • Costantino Berardocco & Hannah Delawter & Thomas Putzu & Larson Curtis Wolfe & Hao Zhang, 2022. "Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Single Stream and Multi-Stream Waste Recycling Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:24:p:16747-:d:1002927
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jason Bell & Joel Huber & W. Kip Viscusi, 2017. "Fostering Recycling Participation in Wisconsin Households through Single-Stream Programs," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 93(3), pages 481-502.
    2. Hong, R.J. & Wang, G.F. & Guo, R.Z. & Cheng, X. & Liu, Q. & Zhang, P.J. & Qian, G.R., 2006. "Life cycle assessment of BMT-based integrated municipal solid waste management: Case study in Pudong, China," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 49(2), pages 129-146.
    3. Cherubini, Francesco & Bargigli, Silvia & Ulgiati, Sergio, 2009. "Life cycle assessment (LCA) of waste management strategies: Landfilling, sorting plant and incineration," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(12), pages 2116-2123.
    4. Omer Bafail, 2022. "A DEMATEL Framework for Modeling Cause-and-Effect Relationships of Inbound Contamination in Single-Stream Recycling Programs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-18, August.
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    1. Virin Kittithammavong & Sivanappan Kumar & Ampira Charoensaeng & Sutha Khaodhiar, 2025. "Evaluating Sustainable Plastic Bag Recycling Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making as a Real-Life Study in Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-25, October.

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