A fuzzy logic approach to the evaluation of material recyclability

This paper proposes a framework towards a universal definition of recyclability of materials using fuzzy logic. Recyclability is defined from a global perspective by aggregating the technology and economics of the recycling processes, legislative support for recycling, quality of recycled materials, and environmental impact of waste. These principal factors have indicators of their own and are computed via fuzzy logic. Recyclability is assessed qualitatively using linguistic "if-then" rules and quantitatively on a 0 to 1 scale for a number of materials of high economic and industrial importance. A sensitivity analysis with respect to indicators reveals the most important factors that affect recycling of a given material. Resource economists could set priorities for critical indicators to increase the recyclability of materials according to the sensitivity analysis.