Economic growth and trends of municipal waste treatment options in Asian countries

Many developing Asian countries are rapidly expanding their economies. Economic growth affects waste management policy development. Statistical analyses applied to Japan, Korea, and China indicate a positive correlation between gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and incineration rate. However, they show a negative correlation between GDP per capita and composting rate in Japan and China, and a positive correlation in Korea. Historical prefectural/provincial data indicate that in Japan and in China, although the incineration rate in a specific year differs due to regional conditions, the rate has increased in parallel with economic growth. An analytic hierarchy process was conducted with experts and government officials from Southeast and East Asian countries. The results statistically confirm the trend correlated with economic growth, which was suggested by previous studies and mentioned by experts based on their experience. For instance, social acceptance was important in upper middle-income countries (USD 4,036–12,475). These results support the possibility that economic growth affects the selection of waste treatment options.     

A GIS-based zoning of illegal dumping potential for efficient surveillance

To assist in the efficient surveillance against illegal dumping, this study examined and evaluated two methods to illustrate the illegal dumping potential of sites using GIS (Geographic Information System) data. One approach focused on the occurrence of illegal dumping sites; the other on the size of the illegal dumping. Both approaches to zoning were implemented for the Kanto region of Japan, utilizing seven or eight major geographical attributes most closely related to illegal dumping. The zoning results revealed the areas requiring patrols against illegal dumping. Evaluation of the zoning results using the ROC (Receiver Operating Characteristic) curve showed the number of illegal dumping sites detectable under certain surveillance conditions and that the size-based zoning was superior, but this superiority was insignificant for revealing sites with higher potential for large illegal dumping, for which it would be sufficient to use the occurrence-based zoning. The evaluation also showed the contribution of each geographical attribute. Finally, application of the ROC curve to the surveillance planning process was examined, which enables the total social cost of pollution by illegal dumping, rehabilitation of dumping sites, and illegal dumping surveillance to be minimized.     

Economic growth and selection of municipal waste treatment options in Bangkok

A reasonable selection of waste treatment options is indispensable to address challenges in waste management. Introduction of incineration plants for municipal waste in Bangkok had been considered in the past, but each time it was dismissed. In 2013, however, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided to introduce an incinerator facility with electricity generation. This study examined how changes in socio-economic factors resulting from economic growth affected the BMA’s decision. First, we conducted interviews of key relevant stakeholders (policymakers and other experts) to determine what kinds of changes in socio-economic factors affected their decision. Then, for interpretation and confirmation of the results from interview, we quantitatively estimated changes in environmental factors (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions), financial factors (e.g., construction and operating costs), and social factors (e.g., employment) in 1990, 2000, and 2012. Based on the result of interview and quantitative analysis, we illustrated the complicated structure of the mechanism of how economic growth affected the selection of waste treatment options in Bangkok, particularly those that led to the selection of the incineration. In addition to local conditions, global economic also affected the waste treatment policy in Bangkok even though waste management is usually thought of as a local issue.     

Material flow analysis of used personal computers in Japan

Most personal computers (PCs) are discarded by consumers after the data files have been moved to a new PC. Therefore, a used PC collection scheme should be created that does not depend on the distribution route of new PCs. In Japan, manufacturers’ voluntary take-back recycling schemes were established in 2001 (for business PCs) and 2003 (for household PCs). At the same time, the export of used PCs from Japan increased, affecting the domestic PC reuse market. These regulatory and economic conditions would have changed the flow of used PCs.In this paper, we developed a method of minimizing the errors in estimating the material flow of used PCs. The method’s features include utilization of both input and output flow data and elimination of subjective estimation as much as possible. Flow rate data from existing surveys were used for estimating the flow of used PCs in Japan for fiscal years (FY) 2000, 2001, and 2004. The results show that 3.92 million and 4.88 million used PCs were discarded in FY 2000 and 2001, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of the discarded PCs were disposed of or recycled within the country, one-fourth was reused within the country, and 8% were exported. In FY 2004, 7.47 million used PCs were discarded. The ratio of domestic disposal and recycling decreased to 37% in FY 2004, whereas the domestic reuse and export ratios increased to 37% and 26%, respectively. Flows from businesses to retailers in FY 2004 increased dramatically, which led to increased domestic reuse. An increase in the flow of used PCs from lease and rental companies to secondhand shops has led to increased exports. Results of interviews with members of PC reuse companies were and trade statistics were used to verify the results of our estimation of domestic reuse and export of used PCs.     

Strategy for separation and treatment of disaster waste: a manual for earthquake and tsunami disaster waste management in Japan

Shortly after the March 11th earthquake and tsunami in eastern Japan, a Task Team for Disaster Waste Management and Reconstruction was established within the Japan Society of Material Cycles and Waste Management (JSMCWM). One of the major tasks undertaken by the team was to create a manual entitled, Strategies for Separation and Treatment of Disaster Waste. In this paper, this JSMCWM manual is introduced, followed by a review of existing guidelines for disaster waste management in various countries. We identify useful guidelines created by international agencies, national and local governments. The JSMCWM manual adds our new experiences, especially characterized by a huge scale of disaster and tsunami information, to the existing knowledge with an emphasis on separation and subsequent treatment options. It should be desirable to share our knowledge and experiences, not only domestically but also with other countries in the world, especially regions that could be affected by large earthquake and tsunami events.     

Substance flow analysis of brominated flame retardants and related compounds in waste TV sets in Japan

We conducted time-series substance flow analysis of two types of brominated flame retardants (BFRs)--polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)--and two types of related compounds--Sb (used with BFRs for flame inhibition) and polybrominated dibenzo dioxins and furans (PBDDs/DFs: unintended byproducts)--in five size categories of waste TV sets in Japan. Two scenarios were created with BFR substitutions and compared to a "business as usual" scenario in order to obtain basic information for strategic product management. The results showed that the use of DecaBDE in rear and front covers of TV sets began in fiscal 1987-1990 and 1993-1996, respectively, and that TBBPA was used to some extent as a substitute for DecaBDE in the 90s. The amount of waste Br in the plastic covers is predicted to increase until at least fiscal 2020 due to the increasing size of TV sets. Although substitution of BFRs with non-BFRs in Japan by 2006 will reduce waste Br, the amount in waste TV sets will not peak until fiscal 2009. The results will help inform decisions in Japan regarding the recovery and disposal of waste TV sets. The methods used would benefit waste managers faced with similar issues in other countries.     

National and subnational outcomes of waste management policies for 1718 municipalities in Japan: development of a bottom-up waste flow model and its application to a declining population through 2030

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Japan has been promoting 3R (reduce, reuse, and recycle) policies for several decades, but the recycling rate of the whole country has leveled off,...