Hidden flows and waste processing--an analysis of illustrative futures

Environ Technol. 2010 Dec 14;31(14):1507-16. doi: 10.1080/09593331003777151.

Abstract

An existing materials flow model is adapted (using Excel and AMBER model platforms) to account for waste and hidden material flows within a domestic environment. Supported by national waste data, the implications of legislative change, domestic resource depletion and waste technology advances are explored. The revised methodology offers additional functionality for economic parameters that influence waste generation and disposal. We explore this accounting system under hypothetical future waste and resource management scenarios, illustrating the utility of the model. A sensitivity analysis confirms that imports, domestic extraction and their associated hidden flows impact mostly on waste generation. The model offers enhanced utility for policy and decision makers with regard to economic mass balance and strategic waste flows, and may promote further discussion about waste technology choice in the context of reducing carbon budgets.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / economics*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / trends*
  • Forecasting*
  • Models, Econometric*
  • Refuse Disposal / economics*
  • Rheology*
  • United Kingdom
  • Waste Products / economics*

Substances

  • Waste Products