Page 21 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

Matthew J. Franchetti, Ph.D., P.E. xiii

PREFACE

“Green” initiatives have increased in popularity in recent years as many organizations attempt to analyze and
reduce environmental impacts. This gain in attention has been brought on by consumer demand for cleaner
production, dwindling natural resources, and population growth around the world. Solid waste minimization
and management is often an overlooked component of an overall environmental protection plan for
organizations. The focusing on sustainability, waste reduction, and green initiatives by individual firms can
lead to enhanced economic performance, environmental protection, and health benefits for the worldwide
community.
Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization: A Systems Approach provides an up-to-date source of technical
information relating to current and potential solid waste minimization practices. This book gives a detailed
framework and reference material and is broken into four parts:

Part 1 gives definitions, benefits, and background information regarding solid waste analysis and
minimization.
Part 2 discusses solid waste assessment strategies and provides the general framework for conducting a
solid waste audit.
Part 3 discusses solid waste modeling, prediction, and evaluation for various industries based on standard
industry classifications.
Part 4 features 21 case studies in various industries, including two illustrating international businesses.

This book serves as both a practical and a technical guide to minimizing solid waste for any organization,
from manufacturing to service facilities. It is based on the solid waste minimization hierarchy of reduce, reuse,
and recycle. The solid waste auditing procedure detailed in this book has been applied and refined over the
past 12 years on more than 80 solid waste assessment projects around the globe. I am confident that this book
will contribute to the field of solid waste management and emphasize the need for continued research as we
strive for sustainable solutions to solid waste issues.

Acknowledgments

I wish to acknowledge the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District and the Lucas County Board of
Commissioners for their continued support and commitment to prevention of pollution and sustainability.
Their funding of solid waste reduction research since 1996 has led to many of the examples and case studies
discussed in this