Toward Distributed Local Recycling Networks for Plastic Waste: A System Dynamics-Based Approach (Part I)

28 Pages Posted: 6 Apr 2022

See all articles by Pavlo Santander

Pavlo Santander

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Sandra Cecilia BAUTISTA-RODRIGUEZ

Universidad El Bosque

Fabio A. Cruz Sanchez

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Hakim Boudaoud

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Mauricio CAMARGO

Université de Lorraine

Joshua M. Pearce

Western University ; Michigan Technological University; Aalto University

Abstract

Recycling rates of plastic wastes show that we are failing to reach a sustainable plastic waste management. The development of alternative strategies such as community-based recycling systems could offer an additional solution while promoting a local circular economy. Several efforts have demonstrated the technical feasibility of the distributed recycling via additive manufacturing (DRAM) for several plastic wastes. Nevertheless, implementing this type of strategy requires a system thinking given the highly interrelated nature of economic, environmental and social factors for their deployment at a local scale. The purpose of this study is to propose a first system dynamics-based conceptual framework by defining and articulating a causal loop model to better understand the structure and complexities to consider in the implementation of DRAM recycling systems. The proposed framework clarifies the relevant parameters, conditions and possible feedback loops that are crucial during the implementation phase. The discussion analysis is focused on the facilities, collection, and control loops with the purpose to map recommendation in the adoption of DRAM. These results highlight the relevance of additive manufacturing as a socio-technical system. Finally, perspectives are highlighted in terms of research paths to explore.

Keywords: System Dynamics, DRAM, Distributed recycling, Plastic recycling, Sustainability, 3D printing

Suggested Citation

Santander, Pavlo and BAUTISTA-RODRIGUEZ, Sandra Cecilia and Cruz Sanchez, Fabio A. and Boudaoud, Hakim and CAMARGO, Mauricio and Pearce, Joshua M., Toward Distributed Local Recycling Networks for Plastic Waste: A System Dynamics-Based Approach (Part I). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4076760 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4076760

Pavlo Santander

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Sandra Cecilia BAUTISTA-RODRIGUEZ

Universidad El Bosque ( email )

Cra. 9 A No. 131-09
Bogotá, 110121
Colombia

Fabio A. Cruz Sanchez (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Hakim Boudaoud

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Mauricio CAMARGO

Université de Lorraine ( email )

Nancy
France

Joshua M. Pearce

Western University ( email )

Ontario
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://https://www.appropedia.org/Category:FAST

Michigan Technological University ( email )

Houghton, MI 49931
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.mse.mtu.edu/~pearce/Index.html

Aalto University ( email )

P.O. Box 21210
Helsinki, 00101
Finland

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