Modeling the impact of municipal solid waste recycling on greenhouse gas emissions in Ohio, USA

Climate change is a serious worldwide concern and the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) significantly intensifies the issue. Numerous studies have been conducted concerning GHG emissions related to energy and fuel consumption, but few have been conducted related to the impact of increased recycling levels on GHG emissions for a single facility. Several readily available GHG calculators are available for organizations to estimate overall GHG emissions for facilities, but these calculators generate varying results and do not fully account for the impact of increased recycling levels, region specific data, or material stream separation, and the associated economic benefit. This research developed a model to estimate the GHG emissions for facilities related to municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal and recycling. The results from the model are compared to existing Internet based GHG calculators that include MSW data. In addition, the model estimates the GHG reductions and potential economic benefit derived from increased recycling for a case study in Northwest Ohio.

► A comparison of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions calculators as related to recycling.
► The development of a model to estimate the changes to GHG emissions as a result of increased recycling.
► An analysis of the associated economic impact as a result of the increased recycling.
► The application of the model to a case study for a manufacturing facility in Ohio, USA.