CALCULATION OF RECYCLING RATES - FABLE OR TRUTH?

摘要

This paper discussed the definition and calculation of recycling rates based on the combination of dynamic modeling and the modeling of recycling systems. It is demonstrated with suitable examples from the car recycling industry how recycling rates should be calculated taking into consideration all distributed properties of the product, design, life cycle, the metallurgy and physical processing, etc. This paper will therefore give a good indication how recycling rates are being and could be determined; and if recycling quotas can be reached or not. Especially important is the fact that recycling rate should be placed within a statistical framework I.e. a recycling rate should be associated with a standard deviation determined by all steps within the life cycle of a car. This paper discusses the recycling of cars, but the developed methods are equally valid for any modern consumer product.