Page 173 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

STEP 7: DETERMINE, EVALUATE, AND SELECT WASTE MINIMIZATION ALTERNATIVES 151

Pareto analysis: recyclable material within the
waste stream
30

25
Percentage of total waste 20

15

10

5

0
OCC
Uncoated lead Polypropylene battery Paper Wood Label backing Metal banding NCR Film plastic Boxboard
components

Material

Figure 8.21 Recyclable material within the waste stream.

From the table and graph, it is straightforward to identify the largest waste stream
contributors that are recyclable and should be targeted for reduction. In the case study,
the largest recyclable contributors to the waste stream are uncoated lead, cardboard
(OCC), polypropylene battery components, paper, and wood. These five components
represent 84.2 percent of the recyclable waste stream and 61.4 percent of the total
waste stream and should serve as the starting point for the waste assessment team
when developing waste minimization strategies and alternatives.

8.8 Step 7: Determine, Evaluate, and

Select Waste Minimization Alternatives

Once the major waste streams have been quantified, the team can begin to develop alter-
natives to minimize the solid waste and move closer to the ultimate goal of the project.
In this phase of the project, the team identifies alternatives to minimize the major com-
ponents of the waste stream and evaluates the economic and operational feasibility while
rating each alternative on its ability to achieve the waste minimization goal. This section
covers the process to generate, screen, and select waste minimization alternatives. In
addition, a comprehensive list of common materials that can be reduced, reused, or recy-
cled and a list of common waste minimization alternatives is also provided.