Impact of source separation and waste reduction on the economics of resource recovery facilities

No single approach to resource recovery can resolve all waste problems, which require a combination of waste reduction, source separation, and mixed waste recovery that may lead to local economic conflicts. Analysis of the economic impact on mixed waste recovery plants due to source separation and waste reduction focuses on the effect of paper recycling programs on combustion in solid waste facilities and the effect of metal and glass reduction and recycling on mixed waste recovery plants. The impact of paper and bottle recycling is estimated to be less than one dollar per ton for each, and should not become the determining factor in a community's decision to engage in resource recovery. Future changes will evolve due to changes in container materials, container deposit programs, private recycling programs, and changes in the prices of recovered materials relative to recovered energy. A mechanism for handling uncertainties can be built into community programs to allow for change and improvement. (DCK)