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Recycling of plastics: A materials balance optimisation model

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Abstract

At present the volume of solid waste produced in modern consumer societies is increasing, requiring policy measures to reduce the volume of waste to be dumped or incinerated. In this article a materials balance optimisation model for the recycling of plastics is developed to analyse the impact of policy measures that stimulate recycling. The study presents the structure of the optimisation model and it gives the results of a charge imposed on the dumping and incineration of plastics. The calculations show that considerable effort should be made to reach the recycling targets for plastic that have been set by the public authorities for the year 2000.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rotterdam

    P. Folkert Starreveld (B&G Consultants, Researcher)

  2. Department of General Economics, Wageningen Agricultural University, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, the Netherlands

    Ekko C. Van Ierland (Environmental Economist)

Authors
  1. P. Folkert Starreveld
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  2. Ekko C. Van Ierland
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Starreveld, P.F., Van Ierland, E.C. Recycling of plastics: A materials balance optimisation model. Environ Resource Econ 4, 251–264 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692327

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692327

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