From Hand-Picking and Conveyor Belts to Optical Scanners and Robotic Sorting: Data-Driven Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Models for Regional Secondary Manufacturing Feedstock - A Case Study in Kent County, Michigan, USA
Author(s)
Williams, Wyatt Theodore Green
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Collections
Supplementary to:
Permanent Link
Abstract
This thesis explores the transition from linear to circular waste management models, emphasizing the environmental, economic, and equity benefits of regional circular municipal solid waste (MSW) infrastructure. Using a case study of Kent County, Michigan, where the ambitious goal is to divert 90% of waste from landfills by 2030, the study evaluates the potential of a proposed Sustainable Business Park (SBP) to optimize material recovery, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and support local manufacturing supply chains. A hybridized methodology involving Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) assesses six scenarios ranging from traditional landfilling to advanced circularity practices incorporating SBPs.
Results demonstrate that more circular scenarios, particularly those with high recovery rates, significantly outperform linear approaches in reducing GHG emissions, conserving energy, and creating economic opportunities from recycled materials. The study also introduces a circular revenue capture metric to evaluate the economic value of recovered materials, highlighting the transformative potential of SBPs to foster sustainable industrial ecosystems. Equity considerations are integrated to address historical injustices in waste management, advocating for inclusive decision-making and equitable resource distribution. Limitations and future research directions are discussed, including the need for continuous material composition analysis and the exploration of social lifecycle impacts. This research contributes a comprehensive framework for advancing circularity in regional waste management systems, aligning economic, environmental, and social priorities to achieve a circular economy.
Sponsor
Date
2024-12-10
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Thesis (Masters Degree)