A novel method for material characterization of reusable products

Fortuna, Lorena M.; Diyamandoğlu, Vasil

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2016.03.037

Cited by 9 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…In addition, ‘background data’ is used to automate the reclassification of new imported data. Currently, the system uses a dataset of 6918 products as ‘background data’ obtained by field characterisation studies described in Fortuna and Diyamandoglu (2016).…”

Section: Programme Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To estimate the weight of products in ‘reporting data’, the system calculates the average weight from the ‘background data’ for the identified GPC classification. The system creates a standard matrix of average product weights based on existing ‘background data’ as described in Fortuna and Diyamandoglu (2016). When the system has identified the appropriate GPC category and it has estimated the weight and material composition, the estimates are saved in the RIC and can be used to generate reports on weight of products and materials, number of products and CO 2 emissions and energy savings as shown in Figure 2.…”

Section: Programme Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Existing methodologies to measure reuse activities follow the flow of products and rarely provide information on the type of materials, which would allow for the integration of reuse in the broader scope of solid waste management (Fortuna and Diyamandoglu, 2016). Waste generation and diversion are traditionally measured in weight of materials, such as tonnes of food, paper and wood.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A methodology developed by Fortuna and Diyamandoglu (2016) introduced a new approach to assess the material composition of products that allows the estimation of the material composition of different types of products using matrices of material compositions that directly match products to materials. This method also introduced a solution for the lack of data on the weight of products sold and distributed by reuse entities through the use of matrices containing values of average weights.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Because reuse is, by its nature, a highly distributed activity, it is not surprising the data reports from reuse organisations is not standardised. This has led to the Reuse Impact Calculator (RIC) development to automate the methodology described in Fortuna and Diyamandoglu (2016) and to quantify the environmental impact of product reuse by nonprofit enterprises in NYC.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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New York City’s Reuse Impact Calculator: Quantifying the zero waste impact of materials reuse

Fortuna

Castaldi

2018

Waste Manag Res

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In 2015, the city of New York (NYC) introduced a plan to reduce the volume of collected solid waste by 90% by 2030 and envisioned the expansion of reuse opportunities as one of its main drivers. The assessment of the contributions from reuse initiatives to the advancement of waste prevention and waste reduction goals requires a quantitative understanding of the scope of reuse activities. The high population density in NYC and well-organised collection efforts by The City of New York Department of Sanitation (DSNY) (DSNY) have resulted in a structure that enables the informal sector to readily contribute and access the reuse market. Importantly, the scale of the operations in NYC enable the results found to be a model for other municipalities of similar size. This article presents the Reuse Impact Calculator, developed from the need to automate and quantify the environmental impact of product reuse by nonprofit enterprises in NYC. Specifically, we will explain the development process, show the novel characteristics of this calculator, describe the software in terms of data input, auto mapping functionality and calculations and present a case study to demonstrate the implementation of the Reuse Impact Calculator. This calculator is a dynamic and easily modifiable tool that converts diverse datasets to comparable conditions and allows the assessment of the impact of reuse organisations to waste prevention in NYC.

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Section: Programme Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Programme Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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New York City’s Reuse Impact Calculator: Quantifying the zero waste impact of materials reuse

Fortuna

Castaldi

2018

Waste Manag Res

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Calculating the Environmental Benefit of Reuse Platforms

Rückert,

Balkute,

Dornack

2024

Circ.Econ.Sust.

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Reuse platforms are contributing to the circular economy by hosting or mediating unwanted products or materials until new users are found. This saves products from premature disposal on one hand, and avoids new products purchase on the other. Translating this resource efficiency and waste minimisation into GHG emission avoidance can support the relevance of reuse platforms in fostering a circular economy and promoting climate protection through resource preservation and potential GHG emission reductions. The authors present the analysis of existing reuse methodologies and point out incomplete considerations in terms of LCA modules and Corporate Carbon Footprint of reuse platforms [11]. This paper fills the gap in literature by formulating a holistic methodology for calculating benefits of reuse in terms of GHG emissions for the whole reuse sector and provides an application guide for 4 different types of reuse platforms. This new approach is then illustrated by applying it to a reuse enterprise Zündstoffe Materialvermittlung Dresden (ZUMADD) case study, for which data was gathered for 2 years under Dresden Future City Project (2019–2022). The results show that the project could save 13,301 kg of CO2e emissions through mediating 6,213 kg of material for reuse.

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