Tagged: solid waste

Unpacking Life-Cycle Assessment Reports: Measurements, Model Mechanics, and Future Improvement

The field of environmental research has witnessed numerous advancements, and one such progression is the introduction of Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA). Unlike other tools, LCA stands out due to its unique ability to assess the environmental impact of a product, process, or decision throughout its entire lifecycle. This comprehensive evaluation of environmental impacts empowers LCA to provide invaluable insights for decisionmakers. It aids them in various arenas like product design, policymaking, and strategizing for sustainability.

So, how does LCA work? Think of LCA as an accountant, but not for money, for the environment. It begins its process by defining the objective and scope, then discerns what product or process is to be studied, identifies its lifecycle stages, and pinpoints its impact categories.

A product or process typically goes through several stages in its lifecycle. It starts with the raw material acquisition, wherein all the necessary elements are gathered. The subsequent phase is manufacturing or processing, where these materials are fashioned into the product in question. Then comes the distribution and transportation stage, the phase responsible for getting the product to its intended location. The next stage encompasses the use, maintenance, and repair of the product, which details its lifecycle while in the hands of consumers. Finally, the product reaches its end at the disposal or recycling stage, where it is either discarded or reprocessed for further use.

Following these stages, LCA delves into the inventory analysis. Here, it gathers detailed data about all the inputs, such as raw materials and energy, and outputs, like emissions and waste, associated with each stage of the lifecycle. This inventory serves as a comprehensive record of everything that contributes to and results from a product or process.

After the inventory analysis, LCA shifts its focus to the impact assessment phase. This is where the collected inputs and outputs are transformed into quantifiable environmental impacts. For example, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions contribute to global warming and climate change by releasing heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Energy Use, spanning from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal of the product, can escalate GHG emissions further. Toxicity involves the release of harmful substances throughout the lifecycle stages, which can adversely affect both human health and the environment. Eutrophication marks the runoff of nutrients into water bodies, sparking algal blooms and negatively impacting aquatic life. Water Use assesses the amount of fresh water utilized throughout the lifecycle stages, an aspect of particular concern in regions experiencing water scarcity.

Then, it moves into the interpretation phase, carefully analyzing and interpreting the results, spotlighting crucial issues, drawing conclusions, and charting out recommendations.

However, as meticulous as LCA might be, its precision hinges on the quality and specificity of the data used. Though LCA models can yield trustworthy estimates of environmental impacts, they involve intricate systems and factors used in the model that may have substantial uncertainty in the base data used, which can be compounded with the uncertainty of other variables during the analytical process. Additional uncertainty can occur due to geographic difference and variations in the processes used and end uses assumed for recovered materials. Despite these uncertainties, LCAs are widely regarded as a comprehensive tool for evaluating environmental impacts.

But like every great tool, LCA too comes with certain limitations. First, LCAs are data-intensive, which can make them time-consuming and costly. Second, while LCAs are adept at capturing many environmental impacts, they might fail to fully acknowledge some, such as the local effects of biodiversity loss due to land use changes or social impacts like labor conditions. Third, comparing LCAs can pose a significant challenge if different methodologies or boundaries are used, as inconsistency in these aspects can yield drastically different results, muddling the comparisons. Finally, the results of LCAs may not reflect the spectrum of activities and, hence, the range of environmental impacts, owing to the variability in processes and systems. 

Despite these limitations, LCA is a valuable and promising tool. Its comprehensive and rigorous evaluation of a product or process’s environmental footprint across its entire lifecycle provides decisionmakers with invaluable insights. By identifying potential areas for improvement and highlighting the most damaging stages of a product’s life cycle, LCA serves as a powerful instrument for promoting sustainability. While it may not be perfect, the LCA remains a crucial ally in our collective pursuit of a more sustainable and environmentally conscious world.

Implications of LCA Studies on Curbside Recycling in the U.S.

Curbside recycling has been proven to have significant environmental benefits, according to a recent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report released by the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF). The study highlights the importance of various factors in determining the effectiveness of recycling programs and their environmental impacts.

The LCA emphasizes that curbside recycling can lead to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy use compared to landfilling. However, the environmental benefits of recycling are influenced by several factors. These include the types of materials being recycled, the efficiency of source separation by residents, the structure of the recycling program, and the viability of end markets for recovered materials.

It’s crucial to recognize that waste management entities have limited control over these factors. While they can dictate the type of recycling program, they cannot directly control source separation or the viability of end markets. This highlights the complex interplay of various stakeholders in making recycling economically and environmentally viable.

The LCA study reveals that different materials have varying levels of GHG and energy savings when recycled. Aluminum cans provide the highest emissions avoidance, with 9,130 kg of CO2 avoided per ton of aluminum recycled. In contrast, recycling glass results in the lowest emissions avoidance. Energy savings follow a similar trend, with aluminum providing the highest savings.

However, it’s important to note that these results are based on an idealized recycling scenario. The actual benefits will depend on the recycling system, whether it’s a closed-loop system or an open-loop system where materials degrade in quality over recycling iterations.

The inclusion of different materials in recycling programs has a significant impact on overall GHG emissions reduction. According to the LCA study, including aluminum containers in curbside recycling programs results in the most substantial reduction in GHG emissions. Fiber recycling, including old, corrugated cardboard and mixed paper, provides the largest program-wide energy savings. Glass and ferrous containers show the least benefits in GHG emissions reduction and energy savings, respectively.

However, it’s important to consider that in certain scenarios, recycling certain materials could potentially result in higher emissions or energy use than not recycling them at all. Improving the curbside capture rate in recycling programs presents a significant opportunity to reduce GHG emissions. The study suggests that a 10-percentage point increase in curbside capture could decrease program-wide GHG emissions by nearly 25 kg CO2e per metric ton of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) managed. Focusing on materials with higher GHG offsets, like aluminum cans, could lead to even greater emissions savings.

The transition to single-stream recycling programs, despite increased contamination rates and energy demand for sorting equipment, has resulted in a significant net reduction in GHG emissions. The increased quantity of recyclable commodities sent for remanufacturing outweighs the negative environmental impact.

The end use of recovered materials from Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) significantly impact system-wide GHG benefits. Materials with marginal emissions benefits, such as fiber and glass, are particularly affected. However, any deviation from closed-loop or best-case recycling scenarios could substantially reduce or even negate the environmental benefits of recycling.  For example, using recycled glass in non-closed loop situations should be considered carefully, particularly when the transport distance from the recycling facility is significant.

Recycled materials are transported via Over-the-Road (OTR) vehicles, rail, or ocean-going vessels. OTR vehicles have the highest energy use and GHG emissions, while rail and ocean shipping significantly lower these impacts. Maximizing the load on transport vehicles reduces overall GHG emissions, highlighting the importance of transportation efficiency in recycling programs. The geographical location also influences the environmental superiority of recycling compared to landfilling or Waste-to-Energy (WTE) options.

LCAs often rely on ‘best-case’ assumptions due to limited end-use data. However, more comprehensive research is needed to understand how the end use of materials impacts LCAs. For materials with low market demand and negligible environmental benefits in their recovery, landfilling may be a more sustainable short-term option.

EREF’s LCA highlights the complexity of recycling programs and the need to consider multiple factors in their design and evaluation. While recycling is beneficial in reducing GHG emissions and energy use, these benefits are material-specific and influenced by various factors. Waste management entities, residents, and end markets all play essential roles in making recycling economically and environmentally viable.

Landfill operators discuss PFAS management, regulations and the need for more research

Now that the federal government has previewed new plans to regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometimes known as “forever chemicals,” landfill operators say they feel stuck between wanting more data and research before enacting future policy and needing clearer metrics to ensure safe PFAS management in the meantime.

That’s just one of several insights about PFAS that came out of an EREF Science Session webinar, which was described in a recent article in Waste Dive. Other insights indicate that operators believe that landfills, which utilize highly engineered liner systems, are capable of capturing PFAS and preventing leaching into groundwater. Additionally, given the variety of products and materials which contain PFAS, discussions are needed to stop PFAS generation at the manufacturing level.

The full article can be read here.

EREF’s New Science Sessions Puts a Conversational Twist on Solid Waste Education

Click here for a PDF of this release.

Raleigh, NC (January 7, 2021) – The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is excited to announce the inception of a new solid waste education series entitled EREF Science Sessions, which will kick off in mid-January.

In a time when interactions occur primarily online and Zoom fatigue has become a real concern, the Science Sessions aim to provide the content solid waste professionals need in brief, interactive segments lasting around 45 minutes to an hour.

These sessions will take a variety of forms, forgoing the typical presentation/webinar- style and opting for more interactive models such as interviews, panels and Q&A.

The first set of topics centers on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and emerging contaminants. While data and information surrounding the topic abounds, each session aims to bring new content to the table and focus on the role of the waste industry in the PFAS and emerging contaminants conversation.

Currently, 8 sessions have been confirmed with more anticipated to be lined up. Subtopics include:

  • Industry perspectives on PFAS management
  • PFAS policy
  • Management strategies
  • PFAS concentrations in domestic wastewater and leachate
  • Effective leachate treatment methods
  • PFAS stabilization and solidification
  • Exposure and health implications
  • And more to come!

While PFAS is the focus of the initial set of sessions, other topics will be added to the docket later in 2021.

EREF’s first session, entitled In the Room When It Happened: Industry Perspectives on PFAS, will be a panel comprised of Joe Benco (Republic Services), Sam Nicolai (Casella Waste) and David Pepper (GFL Environmental). This session will be held January 21 at 1 pm ET – registration is open!

Visit the EREF website to learn more and register.

Looking for a value-driven way to build your brand awareness? Become a Science Sessions sponsor! Sponsors receive a select amount of attendee spots with their sponsorship. Send an e-mail to events@erefdn.org to sponsor or learn more.

Thank you to our current Science Sessions sponsors, Golder and Republic Services!

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that funds and directs scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit erefdn.org.

 

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Media Contact:

Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager

Phone: 919.861.6876 ext. 109

Email: cardoin@erefdn.org

EREF to Host Virtual Annual Charitable Auction in 2020 Due to COVID-19

Raleigh, NC (June 4, 2020) – In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) will host its 2020 Annual Charitable Auction online in multiple phases.

EREF’s Auction, held each year at WasteExpo, accounts for a large portion of the Foundation’s annual revenue. Given WasteExpo’s virtual transition and ongoing uncertainties related to COVID-19, the EREF Board of Directors determined that the best way to minimize risk to the Foundation’s financial health would be to keep the event in the first half of 2020, which resulted in hosting the event virtually.

“The waste industry is an essential service during these difficult times; therefore, solid waste science remains essential. While we enjoy having the Auction at WasteExpo, I want to ensure that the Foundation is positioned to continue its mission, funding the research that still effects our everyday operations and lives,” said Pat Carroll, President of Environmental Solutions Group and EREF Board Chairman. “I encourage those who are able to contribute to the Auction, or EREF itself, to do so.”

When bidding opens June 15, Auction items will be available for bidding online through the Ritchie Bros. online bidding platform, IronPlanet.

EREF’s Silent Auction, which has been held online since 2016, will once again take place online, featuring must-haves and rare finds such as iPads and autographed images. Stay tuned for more bidding information.

New this year – in an effort to provide additional relationship-building opportunities, EREF has added a new element called the Super Silent Auction. This will consist of outings with key industry executives (e.g. procurement managers). The Super Silent Auction will take place during EREF’s Fall Classic & Networking Event from September 30th – October 1st in Pinehurst, NC.

“This was a difficult decision for the Foundation to make. Each year, we enjoy bringing together various facets of the waste industry into our WasteExpo booth to network and support solid waste science,” said Bryan Staley, EREF CEO and President. “However, EREF fully understands that safety and health are of the utmost importance in these unprecedented times. Hosting the elements of the charitable auction online will provide donors and bidders the opportunity to still support EREF. We hope to be back together again at WasteExpo in 2021.”

EREF will release more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please contact events@erefdn.org with any questions.

EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that funds and directs scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit https://erefdn.org.

Click here to view a PDF of this release.

Definition Dilemma: A Look at the Varying Recycling Definitions

ARD 2019 Recycling Definitions FINAL smaller (1)

Of the 49 states that have recycling definitions, EREF identified 18 DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS! States use these when creating their waste reduction goals and measuring to see if they met their goals.

Check out this infographic on the differences in state recycling definitions!

EREF Awards Six Master’s and Doctoral Scholarships for 2019

The Board of Directors of the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) are pleased to announce the award of six scholarships to Master’s and Doctoral students across North America pursuing education in solid waste management.

Click here for more information (PDF)

Supporting Canadian Solid Waste Research: EREF of Canada to Hold 2nd Silent Auction at the Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo

After the success of last year’s event, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation of Canada (EREF-CA) is excited to once again hold its Silent Auction October 9 and 10 at the Canadian Waste & Recycling Expo (CWRE) in Toronto, Ontario. Proceeds from this event, which is being held in partnership with the Ontario Waste Management Association (OWMA), support solid waste research needs in Canada.

EREF-CA’s Silent Auction affords donating companies greater visibility during the show and allows them to demonstrate their commitment to scientific research advancing the solid waste industry in Canada. Donations to the Auction consist of a variety of items, which could range from sporting event tickets to trips to electronics.

Click here for more information (PDF)

EREF to Hold Summit on Management Issues and Policy Related to PFAS in Leachate

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) will hold its Summit on PFAS in Leachate August 14 – 15 at the Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest in Ann Arbor, MI. The day and a half of presentations will begin at 1:30 pm ET on Wednesday, August 14, and conclude at 5:00 pm ET on Thursday, August 15.

This Summit will bring together practicing engineers, academics, industry professionals, government personnel and policy makers to provide various perspectives and facilitate discussions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in landfill leachate.

Click here for more information (PDF).

Environmental Research & Education Foundation Celebrates 25 Years of Sustainable Solid Waste Research and Education

This year, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is celebrating 25 years as a resource for solid waste research and education.

For 25 years, EREF’s mission has remained the same: to advance research and education initiatives for sustainable solid waste management practices to benefit the waste industry and communities it serves.

Click here for more information (PDF)