Recycling Network Research Articles

Potential- $K$- Means for Load Balancing and Cost Minimization in Mobile Recycling Network

Cyber-physical systems usually consist of large numbers of spatially distributed autonomous sensors that monitor physical conditions and communicate with a main location. We consider the problem of positioning mobile storage facilities in a recycling network consisting of two types of nodes: collection points (neighborhood recycling bins) and mobile storage centers, and of finding the optimal number of storage centers. Sensors at the collection points monitor and communicate fill levels to a main location, where the collection points are clustered. We present a variation of $K$ -means, potential- $K$ - means, that assigns each cluster to a storage center while balancing the storage center loads. It minimizes the total network cost, for a fixed number of storage centers. The algorithm is based on an analogy with the gravitational force exerted by masses. The “mass” of a cluster is inversely proportional to its current “size.” An instance is assigned to the cluster whose “mass” minimizes the “gravitational potential” on the instance's position. This decision is a reasonable compromise between instance–cluster distance and cluster “size.” The proposed algorithm produces smaller total costs than $K$ - means. We show that storage center locations affect the total cost, and thus, very significant savings are achieved through this wireless monitoring of the collection points and dynamical positioning of the storage centers.

Automated Pinch-Based Approach for the Optimum Synthesis of a Water Regeneration–Recycle Network—Study on the Interaction of Important Parameters

In this work, a recently developed automated composite table algorithm (ACTA) (Parand et al. Clean Technol. Environ. Policy 2016, 18 (7): 2095−2105) is improved to explore the interactions among important key parameters for a water regeneration–recycle network of single contaminant problem. The improved ACTA is based on pinch analysis, but is automated for the various targeting tasks. In most of the literature for water regeneration–recycle network synthesis, the post-regeneration concentration (Co) is treated as a fixed parameter. However, the other key parameters (i.e., freshwater, wastewater, regenerated water flow rates, along with wastewater and pre-regeneration concentrations) vary with the change of Co. With the use of improved ACTA, the interactions among these key parameters are analyzed for both types of regeneration units, that is, fixed Co and fixed removal ratio. The exploration of these interactions also enables the water network to be optimized for economic purposes at the targeting stage. ...

Environmental impacts of reclamation and recycling processes of refrigerators using life cycle assessment (LCA) methods

China has enacted a series of policies and regulations that require manufacturers to reclaim and recycle obsolete refrigerators to mitigate the life cycle environmental impacts and to improve resource efficiency. However, it is not clear whether the environmental benefits of recycling refrigerators can be balanced with the emissions from the reclamation and recycling processes. To address this issue, environmental impacts of recycling refrigerators under different scenarios were quantified through a comparative life cycle assessment. The data were mainly acquired from a large professional refrigerator recycling company. The CML 2001 method built in the GaBi software (Version 6.0) was used to quantify the environmental impacts. The result shows that the environmental benefits brought about by recycling mainly come from the resource and energy savings in the upstream production, such as in the high impact polystyrene recycling (22.17%), the steel recycling (23.94%), and the copper recycling (8.10%) phases. Compared to railway, motor is a more environmentally friendly transportation for refrigerators. Recycling refrigerators increase the ozone layer depletion potential because the crushing process inevitably releases the CFC-11. The environmental impacts of transportation may exceed the environmental benefit of recycling refrigerators. This study will be useful for manufacturers to design new recycling networks from the life cycle and environmental impact perspectives.

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling for a sustainable resource supply in the electronics industry in China

High consumption of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is accompanied with a high yield of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Meanwhile, because the different types of resources have their own unique properties, the current content of each type will remain limited in a range of fluctuations. Therefore, WEEE recycling is an obvious choice to meet the resource demands of the electronics industry. However, there are uncertainties as to whether a sustainable resource supply of the electronics industry can be achieved using secondary resources recycled from WEEE. A dynamic sustainable supply model was used to estimate the resource sustainability supply index (SSI) and the primary resource accumulated consumption (PRAC) from 2010 to 2050. Four scenarios, which changed one of the key assumptions of the model, were used to assess the impact on the SSI and PRAC. These four scenarios are lifespan shortening scenario, high-speed formal recycling growth scenario, high formal recycling peak scenario, and the resource reduction scenario, respectively. Subsequently, a combined policy scenario based on their advantages was built and demonstrated to be a feasible method to achieve a sustainable resource supply using recycled resources. To achieve this scenario, the support of government policy is suggested. However, the policy of the funding system in China can only be used as an assistant policy because it is unsustainable and cannot fundamentally squeeze backyard recyclers out of the market. The Extended Producer Responsibility system can be employed to improve the formal waste recycle network system in the long run, and in this way, a sustainable resources supply can be achieved by 2037 in Beijing, China.

Value Estimation of End of Life Vehicles as a Source of Competitive Advantage for Dismantling Station

End of Life (ELVs) vehicles become an emerging problem because of the type of waste which they are. Each country is creating own recycling network where ELVs are well secured and recycled. Poland is a country where the system is not working correct because of a high absorption of ELVs by illegal dismantling entities which are more competitive than legal elements of recycling network. The problem is well known but there is still lack of solution. The purpose of this article is to present the concept of tools for the valuation of ELVs in order to improve the competitiveness of disassembly stations. The research methodology consists of a literature review as well as observations, surveys, Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Unified Modeling Language (UML) diagrams. On the basis of literature review and observations the problem was identified. The surveys were elaborated in order to identify requirements for the concept of the tool. BPMN and UML diagrams were used to model the processes in dismantling station and the information flow between the user and the tool. There was established a concept of the tool - ELV's Calculator which support decisions of ELV's value estimation. Improving competitiveness of legal dismantling station is extremely important issue in order to provide safe for Environment and People and economically justified ELVs' management. Legal entities have to follow the law what makes their business cost higher. This paper provides a solution of encouraging people to return ELVs to legal dismantlers by offering them price adequate to market demand.

An automated composite table algorithm considering zero liquid discharge possibility in water regeneration–recycle network

In this study, a novel Automated Composite Table Algorithm (ACTA) is developed for targeting the water regeneration–recycle network of single contaminant problem. The ACTA is based on Pinch Analysis, but is automated by taking into consideration the possibility of zero liquid discharge (ZLD) for the water network. In the existing literature, the targeting procedure for ZLD network is based on the graphical tool of Limiting Composite Curve (LCC). However, identification of key parameters (i.e. freshwater, wastewater, regenerated water flowrates, along with pre-regeneration concentrations) is very tedious for highly integrated water network system. The magnification around the turning point of LCC is required to identify the correct pinch points and targeting procedure is done iteratively until the reliable network targets can be determined. These limitations are now overcome by the ACTA, which is an improved version of Composite Table Algorithm that is capable of identifying key parameters algebraically for a given post-regeneration concentration. The newly developed ACTA is capable of handling a wide range of problems including ZLD and non-ZLD network, for both fixed load and fixed flowrate problems.

Design Incentives Under Collective Extended Producer Responsibility: A Network Perspective

A key goal of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation is to provide incentives for producers to design their products for recyclability. EPR is typically implemented in a collective system, where a network of recycling resources are coordinated to fulfill the EPR obligations of a set of producers, and the resulting system cost is allocated among these producers. Collective EPR is prevalent because of its cost efficiency advantages. However, it is considered to provide inferior design incentives compared to an individual implementation (where producers fulfill their EPR obligations individually). In this paper, we revisit this assertion and investigate its fundamental underpinnings in a network setting. To this end, we develop a new biform game framework that captures producers’ independent design choices (noncooperative stage) and recognizes the need to maintain the voluntary participation of producers for the collective system to be stable (cooperative stage). This biform game subsumes the network-based operations of a collective system and captures the interdependence between producers’ product design and participation decisions. We then characterize the manner in which design improvement may compromise stability and vice versa. We establish that a stable collective EPR implementation can match and even surpass an individual implementation with respect to product design outcomes. In particular, we show that when the processing technology efficiency and product recyclability are substitutes (complements), a recycling network where processor capacity pooling leads to sufficiently low (high) cost reduction will lead to superior designs in the collective system and maintain its stability, and we propose cost allocation mechanisms to achieve this dual purpose. The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2897 . This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.

A study of waste liquid crystal display generation in mainland China.

The generation of liquid crystal display waste is becoming a serious social problem. Predicting liquid crystal display waste status is the foundation for establishing a recycling network; however, the difficulty in predicting liquid crystal display waste quantity lies in data mining. In order to determine the quantity and the distribution of liquid crystal display waste in China, the four top-selling liquid crystal display products (liquid crystal display TVs, desktop PCs, notebook PCs, and mobile phones) were selected as study objects. Then, the extended logistic model and market supply A method was used to predict the quantity of liquid crystal display waste products. Moreover, the distribution of liquid crystal display waste products in different regions was evaluated by examining the consumption levels of household equipment. The results revealed that the quantity of waste liquid crystal displays would increase rapidly in the next decade. In particular, the predicted quantity of waste liquid crystal displays would rise to approximately 4.262 × 10(9) pieces in 2020, and the total display area (i.e. the surface area of liquid crystal display panels) of waste liquid crystal displays would reach 5.539 × 10(7) m(2). The prediction on the display area of waste liquid crystal display TVs showed that it would account for 71.5% of the total display area by 2020. Meanwhile, the quantity of waste mobile phones would significantly grow, increasing 5.8 times from 2012 to 2020. In terms of distribution, Guangdong is the top waste liquid crystal display-generating province in China, followed by Jiangsu, Shandong, Henan, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. Considering its regional characteristics, Guangdong has been proposed to be the most important location of the recycling network.

Node Layout of Recycling Network for Cell Phones in China under the Third Party Logistics

With the increasing acceleration of updating rate for mobile phones in China, the processing procedure of cell phones has aroused a problem for the whole society. Meantime, environmental pollution and waste of resources result from improper processing approaches of such products. In this paper, the processing modes and corresponding reverse logistics network are analyzed scientifically and completely in terms of recycling by the third party reverse logistics enterprises. Then, a mathematical programming model is proposed in the case of multi-varieties phones and stochastic circumstances to handle the problem of node arrangement and facility location, which taking both cost objective and environment objective into consideration. To combat the model, we design a hybrid intelligent algorithm consisting of genetic algorithm, stochastic simulation and linear programming. Finally a numerical example validates the feasibility of the model and sensitivity analysis is conducted to illustrate its reliability. Such method can be treated as a practice guideline and some suggestions regarding the layout construction are put forward in the end.

Interrogating the circular economy: the moral economy of resource recovery in the EU

The concept of the circular economy has gained increasing prominence in academic, practitioner and policy circles and is linked to greening economies and sustainable development. However, the idea is more often celebrated than critically interrogated. Analysis shows the concept circulates as an idea and ideal, exemplified by industrial symbiosis and extended product life. Yet, its actual enactment is limited and fragile. Instead, circular economies are achieved mostly through global recycling networks which are the primary means by which wastes are recovered as resources. European policies eschew these circuits. Resource recovery through global recycling networks is regarded as a dirty and illegal trade. In its place, EU circular economies attempt to transform wastes into resources within the boundaries of the EU. Through an analysis of two case studies of resource recovery in the United Kingdom, we highlight the challenges that confront making circular economies within the EU, showing that these are borne of a conjuncture of politically created markets, material properties and morally defined materials circuits. We show resource recovery in the EU to be framed by moral economies, driven by discourses of ecological modernization, environmental justice and resource (in)security, the last of which connects to China's resource-intensive development.

A hierarchical approach for the design improvements of an Organocat biorefinery

Lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a potentially attractive renewable energy source. Processing technologies of such biomass, particularly its primary separation, still lack economic justification due to intense energy requirements. Establishing an economically viable and energy efficient biorefinery scheme is a significant challenge. In this work, a systematic approach is proposed for improving basic/existing biorefinery designs. This approach is based on enhancing the efficiency of mass and energy utilization through the use of a hierarchical design approach that involves mass and energy integration. The proposed procedure is applied to a novel biorefinery called Organocat to minimize its energy and mass consumption and total annualized cost. An improved heat exchanger network with minimum energy consumption of 4.5MJ/kgdry biomass is designed. An optimal recycle network with zero fresh water usage and minimum waste discharge is also constructed, making the process more competitive and economically attractive.

System Supporting Location of Service Works in Agriculture on Example of Vehicle Recycling Network

Abstract The paper presents a decision support system for the selection of locations of dismantling stations in a vehicle recycling network. The system uses genetic algorithms effectively. Locations were optimized according to the following criterion: minimization of costs connected with transport, storage and dismantling of end-of-life vehicles as well as costs connected with transport of parts and materials. The proposed system is universal and may be used in agriculture to determine locations of a different kind of facilities organized in a network, on any given area.

Recycling research on spent fluorescent lamps on the basis of extended producer responsibility in China

Mercury is a physiological toxin released by spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs) and is considered a serious pollutant. As the world’s largest producer of fluorescent lamps, China suffers from SFL pollution because of inefficient recycling and management of SFLs. Drawing upon the most successful practices worldwide, this paper suggests the recycling of SFLs on the basis of the extended producer responsibility (EPR) system in China. Manufacturers and importers are the main parties responsible for the take-back, recycling, and disposal of SFLs in the EPR system. In view of the situation in China and to address the objectives of the EPR system, this paper recommends the implementation of a third-party take-back mode for small- and medium-scale enterprises and of a take-back mode for large enterprises to be carried out by original equipment manufacturers. This paper suggests an extended responsibility fund to finance and support the SFL recycling system and discusses in detail the different recycling network systems and fund flows of the two take-back modes. By conducting a case study, the authors determine that the subsidy rate for SFLs that a recycling company can obtain from the extended responsibility fund for recycling and disposing of lamps can be set at $1.35/kg. The authors also predict the levy level that fluorescent lamp manufacturers must submit.Implications:For policymakers, a proper and effective way to manage and recycle spent fluorescent lamps (SFLs) is necessary. The recommended system and the predicted number values of the subsidy rate and levy level can be the basis in practice. For people, the proper management measures will reduce exposure from SFLs effectively, especially the risk of exposure to mercury. For society, the measures can help increase resource utilization rate. For manufacturers, an effective extended responsibility fund will motivate them to improve processing technique and green design.

Recyclable Diels–Alder Furan/Maleimide Polymer Networks with Shape Memory Effect

A series of recyclable networks with shape memory effect was prepared by the Diels–Alder reaction between furan-functionalized poly(hydroxyaminoethers) (PHAEs) and 1,5-bis(maleimido)-2-methylpentane (MPDBMI). Compression molding was used to recycle the MPDBMI/PHAE films. The Diels–Alder and retro-Diels–Alder reactions between PHAEs and MPDBMI were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and solubility test. Furthermore, the mechanical properties and shape memory properties of the original and recycled MPDBMI/PHAE networks were systematically investigated by a tensile test and a quantitative shape memory evaluation method, respectively. DSC measurement indicated that the retro-Diels–Alder reaction will occur upon heating, and the solubility test showed that the recycled MPDBMI/PHAE films may still be considered as recyclable. Moreover, the tensile test at room temperature disclosed that both the original and recycled MPDBMI/PHAE networks exhibited tough properties:...

Technology and capacity planning for the recycling of lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries in Germany

Currently, the German government strives for establishing Germany as a lead market for electric mobility. A successful growth of the electric vehicle market would be followed by a corresponding volume of spent lithium-ion batteries containing valuable and scarce metals. With their recycling, the high environmental load and energy use of primary production could be reduced, import dependencies could be diminished, and economic value could be created. Pioneering the mandatory deployment of an appropriate recycling network in Germany, the aim of this paper is to determine investment plans for the installation of recycling plants of different technologies and capacities and to derive recommendations for potential investors. For this purpose, a mathematical optimisation model is developed, allowing the economic selection of recycling technologies and capacities to be deployed in the network over time. In a comprehensive study, the impact of uncertain developments and mandatory minimum recycling rates on the timing of plant installations, on technology and capacity selection, on material flows, and on the profitability of recycling are analysed. The main finding is that despite the prevailing uncertainties a robust plan exists at least for initial decisions. It is shown that the recycling network can be operated highly economically in four out of five scenarios while meeting mandatory minimum recycling rates easily. By contrast, achieving both profitability and the minimum recycling rates will be a challenge if less valuable metals are used in the production of batteries, requiring the development of additional recycling steps to both reduce waste and increase profitability.

A mathematical programming model for recycling network design under uncertainty: an interval-stochastic robust optimization model

The development of mathematical and optimization models for reverse supply network design has concerned considerable interest over the past decades. However, the uncertainties that are inherent in the network design and the complex interactions among various uncertain parameters are challenging the capabilities of these developed tools. The aim of this paper is to propose a new mathematical programming model for recycling network design in the iron and steel industry. The considered recycling network is multi-echelon, multi-facility, multi-product, and multi-supplier. Moreover, another objective of this research is to introduce an interval-stochastic robust optimization methodology to deal with various uncertainties in the proposed model. Computational experiments are provided to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model in recycling network design.

Robust Optimization Study of Recycling Network for Electronic Waste

Considering the uncertainty of waste electronic recovery quantity in consumption areas and recycling rate in dismantling centers, a robust optimization model for single-cycle waste electronic recycling network with capacity constraints is established to determine the number and location of the facilities, the flows between each facility. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the feasibility of the model.

Design of the Electronic Waste Recycle Network System Based on GIS

The output of the electronic waste has increased greatly along with the economic development and improvement of peoples living standard. It has become a difficult research problem that how to recycle the electronic waste efficiently. The paper forecasts the total quantity of the electronic waste based on the status analysis on the electronic waste recycles. Then it gives the operation sites in the recycle system such as recycling site, disassembly/test center, disposal factory, etc. through forecast and GIS combining with the general process of the electronic waste recycle. Finally, it designs the integral electronic waste recycle system based on GIS, and applies the design to the electronic waste recycle system of Huaian. Furthermore, it carries out overall evaluation from three aspects: economy, environment protection and society according to the application result. The evaluation shows good result.

Medical Waste Management in China: A Case Study of Xinxiang

Due to medical waste’s infection and hazard, it can cause potential environmental and public health risks, so medical waste management is of great importance especially in developing countries. The objective of the study was to analyze and assess current status of medical waste management in the light of semi-structured interview in medical institutions and the medical waste disposal centre. As a medium-sized city of China and its respective nature, Xinxiang was selected as the case study. In order to significantly improve eco-efficiency of medical waste management (MWM) and minimize the environmental risks, this paper identified key factors determining the implementation of MWM on the basis of the local realities and situations of medical waste, and then an integrated MWM system was developed. Such the regulations should be improved; MWM database platform should be strengthened; unified coordination ability of the MWM should be developed; and a suitable rural recycling network should be set up.

Marginal recycling: place and informal recycling in St. John's, Newfoundland

Informal recycling networks are systems through which impoverished populations earn money and residents recycle waste which might otherwise go into a landfill. These networks, in which people voluntarily self-organise to collect recyclables, occur throughout the world. This article discusses results of an exploratory, qualitative study of one such network in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador which identifies motivational characteristics of the network and their implications for public policy. Through close attention to particularities of place, the research identified community interaction and community inclusion as two of the most active motivating factors within the studied network. The findings suggest public recycling programmes can increase public participation through greater attention to place-based motivational factors. Such participation could contribute to increased sustainability and reach of recycling programmes.