Sorting line modelling as an integral part of complex tools for decision-making in waste management

This paper describes sorting line technology modelling as a potential key element of waste management at the municipal level, which, however, does not mean final treatment but only waste pre-treatment as an integral part of waste management chain. The outputs of the presented model are used as one of the key inputs to the NERUDA tool. The NERUDA tool provides support for strategic decision making in the field of waste management. The computational system of NERUDA has been created as an open tool and it is still being developed and expanded to suit current research tasks. The key part of NERUDA is a waste management related logistic problem. Hereafter, the NERUDA tool consists of a number of sub-modules and components that represent waste management technologies and procedures. Excessive separation not coupled with utilization of recyclables in the market can significantly disadvantage the overall economics of the chain. For the reason, a techno-economic model that can establish a representative waste treatment cost in order to obtain a valuable secondary raw material has been developed. Combination of techno-economic models allows to prepare unique, comprehensive and high-quality case studies. Various technological arrangements of sorting line, attainable rates of material separation and potential for subsequent energy recovery are considered. It is also appropriate to consider related costs of sorted waste collection, which may be a very economically demanding issue in overall waste processing balance. Positive selling price of secondary raw materials on the market is an assumption in addition to processing prices estimation. The model can serve as a useful tool for costs estimating (investment, profits). Furthermore, the model can serve as a key tool for feasibility studies in the context of sorting systems and the secondary raw material production over the lifetime of facilities. The practical contribution of described model is presented through a case study in the conditions of the Czech waste management. Copyright © 2018, AIDIC Servizi S.r.l.