A simple model for complex waste recycling scenarios in developing economies

Future uncertainties involved in the current waste management activities in the developing nations have been addressed through determining plastic was te recovery, recycling and landfilling scenarios in two case study countrie s - Bangladesh and India. In order to discern and comprehend the material i n-flow and out-flow of such complex successive plastics recoveries and recy clings, within the closed-loop recycling systems present in these two count ries, a simple mathematical model is developed. The model is based on limit ed published information, on extensive fieldwork in Dhaka, Calcutta and Del hi, and on experimental data. An environmental legislative factor has been included in the model which will allow balancing of the quality of recycled products and the amount of landfilling non-recyclable plastics. The model has the potential to create and predict a sound waste database for these co untries. Bangladesh has been chosen as a model developing country for this study. The mathematical model can be used in future decision making process es within the plastics recycling arena of the countries concerned to achiev e an environmentally sound and cost effective waste management option. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.