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Making a case for recycling biodegradable municipal waste

Author

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  • Manfred Fehr

    (Federal University at Uberlândia)

  • Cyntia Andrade Arantes

    (Federal University at Uberlândia)

Abstract

The city subject of this research does not have any reverse logistics scheme for biodegradable waste. It goes to the landfill because recycling is considered impracticable for technical and economic reasons. The objective of this study was to refute the objections raised against biodegradable municipal waste recycling. Of the 600 tonnes of waste collected daily, 308 tonnes are biodegradable material originating from residences, merchants and shopping centers. To refute the economic objections, the study presents calculations based on compost prices and tipping fees that show a possible revenue of BRL 0.39 per kg of biodegradable waste collected and composted. This compares favorably with cardboard, paper, steel and plastics, which are recycled by market forces alone. The study identifies composting enterprises interested in receiving biodegradable municipal waste. To refute the technical objections, the research produced precedents of biodegradable discards recycling in apartment buildings and restaurants replicable at larger scales.

Suggested Citation

  • Manfred Fehr & Cyntia Andrade Arantes, 2015. "Making a case for recycling biodegradable municipal waste," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 35(4), pages 483-489, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:35:y:2015:i:4:d:10.1007_s10669-015-9568-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10669-015-9568-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. M. Fehr, 2002. "The Prospect of Municipal Waste Landfill Diversion Depends on Geographical Location," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 319-324, December.
    2. Manfred Fehr, 2007. "Confirming decentralised composting as a definite option in urban waste management," International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 7(3/4), pages 274-285.
    3. M. Fehr & D.C. Romão, 2001. "Measurement of Fruit and Vegetable Losses in Brazil: A Case Study," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 3(3), pages 253-263, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Z. A. Collier & J. H. Lambert & I. Linkov, 2015. "Application of systems modeling and risk assessment to address real-world decision-making challenges," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 35(4), pages 425-426, December.
    2. Hao Yu & Wei Deng Solvang, 2017. "A multi-objective location-allocation optimization for sustainable management of municipal solid waste," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 37(3), pages 289-308, September.

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