Categorization and optimization of waste collection centers (ASZ) in the district of Mödling, Lower Austria

Abstract

Background: Waste management has become a global issue of ever-growing significance. Whether the present recycling system in the district Mödling, Lower Austria works efficiently remains unclear. This thesis aimed to evaluate the actual waste management system by onsite inspections, analysis of electronic data management (EDM) information and assessed potential improvements of the current system by introduction of different simulations. Methods: Categorization of disposed waste among waste collection centers (ASZ), assessment of employed storage methods and calculation of extra drop-off fees were performed by analysis of EDM data of 2013 as provided by the district's waste collection association. Material flow analysis (MFA) was used to assess the extent of different utilization methods applied. For detection of any weaknesses in the present recycling system with 21 ASZ, two simulations with a reduction to 3 (scenario 1) and 14 (Scenario 2) ASZ for the entire district were introduced and compared with the status quo. For both the present situation and the simulations the ASZ' geographical distribution, the convenience for citizens (distance to ASZ, opening hours, fuel costs), the impact on environmental indicators (diesel consumption, carbon dioxide [CO2] emissions) and accruing investment & operational costs were evaluated. Results: Waste of 6 major groups with a total of 52 different subfractions could have been disposed at any ASZ using standardized and well-organized storage methods. In the entire district 35.307 tons (t) of waste were disposed (range between municipalities: 297 t - 6.914 t) with the highest proportion originating from the biogenic waste group followed by excavation waste, scrap waste, bulky waste, waste electrical & electronic equipment (WEEE) and hazardous waste. MFA indicates that most waste was composted with smaller amounts utilized by landfilling, incinerating, recycling, shredding or processing in waste electrical appliance (EAG) plants and refineries. The optimization approach revealed that the simulated ASZ amalgamations inconsistently changed individual distances to ASZ but were accompanied by a 3.9-fold (scenario 1) and 1.4-fold (scenario 2) increase in total travelled distance, fuel consumption, diesel costs and CO2 emissions across the entire district. A decrease in total investment costs by 72% (scenario 1) and 18% (scenario 2) could be observed. Further, a reduction in both opening hours and operational costs of -93% (scenario 1) and -85% (scenario 2) was calculated for the simulations. Conclusion: The present ASZ are probably operating efficiently in terms of waste collection. However, a reevaluation of the current opening hours with a moderate reduction in ASZ (scenario 2) across the district might lead to cost savings without significantly affecting the citizens willingness to drop off waste. Access to any ASZ should be granted independently whether or not ASZ are going to be amalgamated and is likely to be related with an increase of the population's convenience.