Landfill diversion: Moving from sanitary to economic targets

A municipality with 90,000 inhabitants located in Central Brazil undertook to attract recycling enterprises. This study identifies the basic strategy of a household waste management model that would provide a steady supply of raw materials for the industry within a time frame of 20 years. It developed the concept of sorted-waste composition to drive reverse logistics and ancillary industry. The domestic waste production rate was 45 tons/day, and the immediate diversion potential stood at 67%. Annual progress indicators required to reach this potential within the given timeframe are detailed. Reverse logistics operators were found capable of removing all inert waste items separated at source. The necessary logistics for biodegradable matter are outlined. With the long-term guaranteed increase of recyclable material, a favourable environment for prospective industrial enterprises was constructed, and the challenge of the municipal administration was reduced to promoting source separation. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.