Product design for recyclability: a cost benefit analysis model and its application

Abstract

The authors develop a method and introduce a computer-based analysis tool that can be used to analyze design changes. A cost-benefit analysis model is presented as a tool for assessing the economics of designing for recyclability. By taking a cost-benefit approach, the authors emphasize the need to consider design for environment in terms of its economic viability. To demonstrate the applicability of the model, a simple example based on the disassembly of an automobile dashboard is presented. The results show that, with the current material recycling technology and market prices, complete disassembly is not profitable because the costs far outweigh revenues from the materials and parts that are recovered. >