Input-output models and waste management analysis: A critical review. (10th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Towa, Edgar; Zeller, Vanessa; Achten, Wouter M.J.
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 249(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-03-10
• Subjects: Waste input-output analysis -- Physical input-output analysis -- Hybrid input-output analysis -- Waste management -- Circular economy; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119359
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: We analyze 78 case studies that applied an input-output (IO) model for waste management analyses. We categorize all IO models into four types (waste extended IO (WEIO), waste IO (WIO), physical IO (PIO) and hybrid IO (HIO)). We then define each model within a waste analysis framework, and carry out a bibliometric analysis. Our comparative analysis is twofold. Firstly, to compare the models conceptually, we analyze and discuss three characteristics of the models – the units of intersectoral flows, the modelling of waste and the relation with mass balance principle. Secondly, we analyze and discuss six criteria pertaining to the functionalities of the models, – the waste generation accounting, the purpose of the modelling, the geographical scale, the temporal dimension, the coupling of the IO models with other methods and the level of details of waste treatment sectors and waste types. Our findings are fourfold. First, there is increasing interest in assessing waste management policies with IO models; WIO models are the most applied ones, followed by WEIO models; PIO models are the least widely applied. Second, WIO models have the most mature analytical framework, and HIO models are conceptually the most powerful. Third, there is no cause-effect link between the conceptual characteristics and the functionalities of IO models. The IO models have been widely used for diverse applications in waste management at economy-wide level, but there is potential for several other applications. Fourth, the main limitation of all models is data related: future efforts should include more effective monitoring and collection of physical IO data and waste data, as well as the development of methods for consistent data mining. Highlights: We reviewed 78 studies that applied an IO model for waste management analysis in a circular economy context. We categorized IO models into: WEIO, WIO, PIO and HIO models and defined them within a waste management framework. WIO models have the most mature analytical framework and are the most applied. HIO models are conceptually the most powerful but are less widely applied than WIO models. The development of effective monitoring and methods for consistent data mining of physical IO data and waste data is highly encouraged.