Reducing the Landfilled Stream in Central Ohio
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Date
2018-12
Authors
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Publisher
The Ohio State University
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to assess what benefit a Mixed Waste Processing
Facility (MWPF) could have in Columbus, Ohio; either replacing, or in addition to, the
current single stream program. MWPFs may have the potential for higher rates of
recovering recyclable materials, but it is significantly more costly than a single stream
recycling facility. Columbus has a single stream recycling facility that captures recyclable
materials segregated by residents, but the amount of recyclable material diverted from a
landfill could be higher if the “participation rate” in theory rises to 100 percent if garbage
is sorted at a MWPF. If the city of Columbus switches to a MWPF, then this may
increase the total amount of recovered materials, reducing the cost associated with
expanding landfills. However, it is not clear whether the benefit of increasing the amount
of recycled material (thereby reducing the need to expand the landfill) justifies the cost of
doing so, or if it is even possible through this method. This report includes an analysis of
various recyclable materials and what facilities should focus on to be economical. With
the current landscape, the best option for the city of Columbus is to have a single stream
system combined with a mixed waste system, but the mixed waste process must focus
primarily on organic materials for composting.
Description
Keywords
Mixed Waste Processing, Raw Material Recovery, Recycling, Composting, Dirty MRF, MRF, Material Recovery Facility