Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting facilities. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kleinhans, Kerstin; Hallemans, Michelle; Huysveld, Sophie; Thomassen, Gwenny; Ragaert, Kim; Van Geem, Kevin M.; Roosen, Martijn; Mys, Nicolas; Dewulf, Jo; De Meester, Steven
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 120(2021)
• Page Start: 290
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: Packaging Waste Sorting -- Flow prediction -- Material Flow Analysis -- Plastic Recycling; EPR Extended producer responsibility organization -- EU European Union -- GDP Gross domestic product -- HDPE High-density polyethylene -- MFA Material flow analysis -- MPO Mixed polyolefins -- MRF Material recovery facility -- NIR Near infrared technology -- P+MD Current extended post-consumer packaging waste collection scheme in Belgium ("P+" plastic items, "M" metal cans, "D" drink carton) -- PE Polyethylene -- PET Polyethylene terephthalate -- PMD Former post-consumer packaging waste collection scheme in Belgium ("P" plastic bottles, "M" metal cans, "D" drink carton) -- PP Polypropylene -- PS Polystyrene -- PVC Polyvinyl chloride -- SI Supplementary Information -- XPS Extruded polystyrene; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.11.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: A mathematical framework for flow prediction of household packaging waste sorting. Flexibility to change input mass, facility set-ups and equipment performances. Analysis of the waste flows up until waste item level possible. Model validation with case study on Belgian household packaging waste. Sensitivity analysis on crucial model parameters. Abstract: Household packaging waste sorting facilities consist of complex networks of processes to separate diverse waste streams. These facilities are a key first step to re-enter materials into the recycling chain. However, so far there are no general methods to predict the performance of such sorting facilities, i.e. how efficiently the heterogeneous packaging waste is sorted into fractions with value for further recycling. In this paper, a model of the material flow in a sorting facility is presented, which allows changing the incoming waste composition, split factors on the sorting units as well as the setup of the sorting facility. The performance of the sorting facility is judged based on the purity of the output material (grade) and the recovery of the input material. A validation of the model was performed via a case study on Belgian post-consumer packaging waste with a selection of typical waste items that can be found in this stream. Moreover, the model was used to predict the possible sorting qualities of future Belgian post-consumer packaging waste after an extension of the allowed waste packaging items in the waste stream. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the split factors, which are a key data source in the model. Overall, the developed model is flexible and able to predict the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities as well as support waste management and design for recycling decisions, including future design of packaging, to ensure proper sorting and separation.