Comparison of four methods for integrating environmental and economic aspects in the end-of-life stage of a washing machine

The objective of this study was to carry out comparative evaluation of four decision-making methods that involves consideration of both environmental and economic aspects in the end-of-life stage of a washing machine, and to suggest priorities for recycling and ecodesign of the washing machine. The four methods chosen were: two-dimensional diagram, eco-efficiency, monetary method and multi-attribute decision-making (MADM). A life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to quantify the environmental aspects of components in a defined product system, and sales prices as well as costs associated with the disposal of the components were considered for the evaluation of their economic aspects. The two-dimensional diagram, the monetary method and the MADM all showed similar results. However, the results of the eco-efficiency method were quite different. When making decisions that consider both environmental and economic aspects of a component in its end-of-life stage, it is recommended to use all these four methods concurrently because all four methods have their own pros and cons. By applying several methods simultaneously, decision makers are in a better position to make decisions about choosing components that are environmentally friendly and economically efficient. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.