Waste Management Research: Projects
Life-Cycle Management of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Client/Agency
US EPA Office of Research and Development
Description
We applied life-cycle assessment (LCA) concepts and methodologies to MSW management, developing tools to help local planners evaluate the energy use, environmental emissions, and cost of alternative MSW management systems. We organized a research team with experts in MSW management and LCA from across the U.S. The RTI team
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Identified key unit processes in the solid waste collection and management system and product remanufacturing processes
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Obtained and reviewed data from major national solid waste studies and other documents, evaluating data quality, identifying important data gaps, and using the information to develop a database for conducting the LCA
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Conducted a laboratory study of emissions from composting different waste components to fill a major data gap
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Compiled a database of environmental data for various waste management operations
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Developed a computer-based decision-support tool (MSW-DST) to enable solid waste planners to use site-specific information regarding waste quantities and types, transportation requirements, energy characteristics, materials markets, and waste management options to develop information about the relative impacts of solid waste management options under consideration.
We helped organize an internal advisory group consisting of representatives from EPA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and national laboratories. We also organized and convened a project review meeting for external stakeholders, including 75 representatives from local governments, the waste management and packaging industries, environmental groups, and academia.
After completing the prototype MSW-DST in 1999, we worked with state and local governments and commercial client to conduct analyses of solid waste management issues. We are currently developing an internet-based version of the MSW-DST to offer users direct access to the tool.
rti.org