Page 34 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

12 DEFINITION OF SOLID WASTE ANALYSIS AND MINIMIZATION

employs 430 employees and produces approximately 20,000 batteries per day. At the
time of the study the company was recycling over 76 percent of its solid waste. The solid
waste minimization audit found that an additional 221 tons of solid waste could be recy-
cled per year, saving the company over $62,000 annually. Table 1.1 highlights the exist-
ing recycling and the savings by waste stream.

1.5 The Systems Approach

for Waste Minimization

The waste minimization and analysis process presented in this book is based on the sys-
tems approach. The systems approach is a problem-solving philosophy that focuses on
a holistic view of an organization by analyzing the linkages and interactions between
the elements that comprise the entire system. A system is defined as a group of inter-
acting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole coordinated
to achieve a stated purpose or goal. The systems approach is a framework that is based
on the belief that the component parts of a system will act differently when the system’s
relationships are removed and it is viewed in isolation. The only way to fully understand
why a problem or element occurs and persists is to understand the part in relation to the
whole. From a macro view, a system is comprised of inputs, processes, and outputs all
revolving around accomplishing a given goal or goals. The definition and clear under-
standing of this goal are critical to defining the system in terms of its processes, required
inputs, and desired outputs. For example, there will be very different systems for an
organization that produces automobiles versus an organization that provides heath-care
services. The key benefit of the systems approach to solid waste management is that it
addresses the solid waste problem from a business standpoint, consistently focusing on
the organization’s goals, and confronting the problem at every stage of the supply chain.
Traditional approaches tend to only address the issue of solid waste at the end of the
process, when determining how to cost-effectively remove the waste from the facility.
Many organizations also manage trash removal and recycling as compartmentalized prob-
lems that are managed separately from their core processes and often handled prima-
rily though the accounting departments. The central issue with this traditional approach
is that by focusing on these individual outcomes, overall system optimization cannot
be achieved. The systems approach confronts the issue at all phases of the supply chain,
from procuring raw materials to designing environmentally friendly processes that
reduce solid waste. To that end, the complete life cycle of the product and process is
analyzed for potential environmental improvements, not just the waste left over at the
end of the day. Areas such as raw material wastes, scrap rates, material-handling wastes
(cardboard), and end-use disposal are examined and will be covered in this book.
Figure 1.2 provides an overview of the system as it relates to business processes and
waste reduction.
Defining the terms of a system will provide additional insights into the interactions
and relationships as they relate to solid waste analysis and minimization.