"Design For..." for Solid Waste Management Systems

MSc SYSTEMS ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

MODULE CODE: MECHGS02

MODULE TITLE: SYSTEMS LIFECYCLE

“DESIGN FOR…” FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

POST TEACHING BLOCK ASSIGNMENT

NOVEMBER 2012

Submitted by:

CANDIDATE NUMBER - YDMS2

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Number of Words: 2998

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TABLE OF CONTENT

TABLE OF CONTENT _____________________________________________________________ ii

TABLE OF FIGURES _____________________________________________________________ ii

LIST OF TABLES ________________________________________________________________ ii

1. INTRODUCTION _____________________________________________________________ 1

2. A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ___________________________ 1

2.1. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LIFECYCLE __________________________ 2

2.2. BASIC STRUCTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ________________ 3

3. DESIGN FACTORS FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ______________________________ 4

3.1. DESIGN FACTOR CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 4 3.1.1. “Design for…” factors for the Solid Waste Management System Of Interest _ 4 3.1.2. “Design for…” factors for the Collection Subsystem _____________________ 6 3.1.3. “Design for…” factors for the Transfer/Transport Subsystem _____________ 7 3.1.4. “Design for…” factors for the Processing Subsystem ____________________ 9 3.1.5. “Design for…” Factors For The Final Disposal Subsystem _________________ 10

4. DESIGN TRADE-OFF ________________________________________________________ 10

TABLE OF FIGURES

Fig. 1: SWM system as a Retirement system ________________________________________________ 2

Fig. 2: Lifecycle for an Operational Capability _______________________________________________ 3

Fig. 3: Simplified Hierarchy of the SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system __________________________ 4

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT System Lifecycle Stages _________________________________ 2

Table 2: General Design Factors for SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT System of Interest _______________ 4

Table 3: Basic Design Factors for the Collection Subsystem ____________________________________ 6

Table 4: Basic Design Factors for the Transfer/Transport Subsystem ____________________________ 7

Table 5: Basic Design Factors for the Processing Subsystem ___________________________________ 9

Table 6: Basic Design Factors for the Final disposal Subsystem ________________________________ 10

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1. INTRODUCTION

Solid Waste is generated everyday as a by-product of various human activities from simple residence discards to hazardous manufacturing or industrial by-products disposals. These waste may be categorized according to its origin (domestic, industrial, commercial, construction or institutional); its contents (organic material, glass, metal, plastic paper etc); or hazard potential (toxic, non-toxin, flammable, radioactive, infectious etc).

The focus of solid waste management had originally been on ensuring health and safety of the society, however over time the focus now transcends this purpose. It now involves concerns ranging from economic affordability to the need for social acceptability. As waste is an inevitable product of society, so is the need for continually ensuring its proper management.

In designing a Solid Waste Management (SWM) system, a number of factors are taken into consideration, reflecting the needs and impacts of the range of stakeholders involved, to ensure that the environmental, economic and social demands are clearly meet.

This report shall attempt to provide a checklist of these design factors to aid designers consider their “Design for…” approach in designing an effective and efficient SWM System.

2. A SYSTEMS APPROACH TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The approach applied to the management of solid waste has always been influenced by the stakeholders involved. The clamours for both sustainable and integrated SWM have further widened the range of stakeholders. The key stakeholders may broadly include:

Waste Generators (Residents, Commercial businesses, Industrial concerns, etc)

Society/Users (Residents, Commercial businesses, industrial concerns, etc)

Government (Federal, State and Local councils)

Waste Management Facility Operators (Truck/haulage, recycle site, landfill sites, etc)

Environment Regulatory bodies

In order to properly carter for the requirements for the wide range of the stakeholders, there is a need for a holistic approach to designing of the waste management system.

McDougall (2001) quoted the proposition by W.R Lynn in 1962 for a systems approach to waste management. It stated that the approach was described as “viewing the problem in its entirety as an interconnected system of component operations and functions”. This approach recognized the full complexity of waste management practices. After several years, the approach have evolved to much more complex considerations of integration of solid waste transportation, processing, recycling, resource recovery and disposal technologies and processes. It is only by doing this that the full benefits of economic affordability, environmental effectiveness and social acceptability can be achieved.

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2.1. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM LIFECYCLE

The SWM system in itself may be considered as the Retirement phase of a different System of Interest (manufacturing, etc).

Fig. 1: Solid Waste Management(SWM) system as a Retirement system (Adapted from MECHGS02, 2012 Course material)

The ISO 15288 (and ISO 19760) presents the typical stages of the lifecycle of systems from which the SWM system lifecycle would normally be tailored to meet the specific needs as required. The table below presents the different stages of the SWM system lifecycle.

Life Cycle Stages Purpose

PLANNING Identify Stakeholder needs Explore concepts Propose viable solutions

DEVELOPMENT Refine system requirements Create solution description Design and model system (build pilot for proof of concept) Verify and validate system

ACQUISITION Acquire systems elements through effective supply chain management. Inspect and test

INTRODUCTION Operate system to satisfy stakeholders’ needs

SUSTAINMENT Provide sustained system capability

TRANSITION Evaluation of the system with focus on adjustments and or improvements as well as retirement of old system

Table 1: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT System Lifecycle Stages

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More specifically the lifecycle can be represented showing Operational Capability with Maturity growth.

Fig. 2: Lifecycle for an Operational Capability (Adapted from MECHGS02, 2012 Course material)

2.2. BASIC STRUCTURE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

The figure below shows a simplified hierarchy of a typical Solid Waste Management System. The subsystems and elements can be further expanded depending on the scope of the system of interest.

SUB SYSTEMS

SUB SYSTEMS ELEMENTS

SYSTEM OF INTEREST Solid Waste Management System

Collection

Storage Containers

Collection Trucks

Transfer/ Transport

Transfer Trucks

Transfer Stations

Processing

Recycling Site

Incinerator

Bulldozer

Compactor

Final Disposal

Dump Site

Landfill Site

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Fig. 3: Simplified Hierarchy of the SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system

3. DESIGN FACTORS FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

The ISO/IEC TR 19760:2003 provides a discussion of selected special factors that can affect system design which focuses on complex man-made system processes with essential special factors that should be designed into a design solution so that the system can be successful.

Other literatures and authors have attempted to address these design factors sometimes referred to as “Design for…” requirements of a system and the approach to be taken by designers of a systems. The SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT systems have a wide range of “Design for…” requirements that may be tailored from these general design factors as well as other domain specific requirements.

The underpinning purposes of these design factor considerations would include;

ensuring that specific factor requirements are included in system development (early stages of the lifecycle);

ensuring that appropriate specific factor experts participate in system design work;

ensuring that specific factors are appropriately designed in to the design solution of the system from the perspective of the impact on systems and system elements making up the system structure.

This section shall attempt to provide a checklist of these “Design for…” factors across the System, Subsystem and elements of the SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system within the context presented in Fig. 3.

3.1. DESIGN FACTOR CONSIDERATIONS FOR SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

There are various design factor considerations for a typical SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system. Some of these are overarching design factors that cut across the entire SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT systems and require attention at every level of the SWM hierarchy. Also the different subsystems and elements of the SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system may require some specific design considerations that should be taken into serious consideration during its design. A checklist of some of these basic factors is present below. It should be noted that the list is not exhaustive and can be further broadened.

3.1.1. “DESIGN FOR…” FACTORS FOR THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF INTEREST

Table 2: General Design Factors for SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT System of Interest

S/N Design factors Description Considerations

i. Design for Health and Safety

Requirements that addresses health and safety risks to users and

Check appropriate regulations and standards (ISO 14000 series, local councils, etc)

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environment. Efficient waste storage, collection and transportation

Effective processing and final disposal of waste

Fire and general pollution (water, air, etc) hazards

ii. Design for Usability Fit for purpose criteria, mostly human factors, that determines stakeholder acceptance of system

human-equipment interfaces

training and awareness to ensure understandability, learnability, operability and attractiveness

Misuse and abuse cases

iii. Design for Ease of Integration and Interoperability

Interface design between the various subsystem and operators of these subsystems and related elements

Collection system and vehicles enabled by suitable waste storage mechanism

Collection-Transport interface

Appropriate processing and disposal system supported by efficient collection and transport of waste

Local council

iv. Design for Supportability

Sustaining maintenance and support of the system throughout its entire lifecycle

Maintenance support plan

Supply support for spare/repair part and associated inventories

Logistics and personnel planning

Training

v. Design for Sustainability and Affordability

Through Life cycle cost (collection, transport, processing and disposal)

Environmental impact issues

Transport ease and communication

Economic viability

vi. Design for Flexibility Consideration for alternative mechanisms in view of changing social, economic and environmental conditions as well as technological

Alternatives for processing and disposal (Recycling)

Alternative transport systems

Varying collection schemes as suited for location

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improvements

vii. Design for Social Acceptability

The success of a SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system depends largely on stakeholders’ acceptance and support.

Involve public opinion

Site for location of bins, transfer stations, processing center, landfill, etc.

3.1.2. “DESIGN FOR…” FACTORS FOR THE COLLECTION SUBSYSTEM

Table 3: Basic Design Factors for the Collection Subsystem



Requirements that addresses health and safety risks to users and environment.

Storage bins must have tightly fitted covers to avoid scattering by small animals as well as bird gathering

Collection trucks should be covered as much as possible to minimize air pollution

Collection trucks to have emergency stop knobs for special mechanism as a safety feature for operators

Storage container should have handles to prevent spillage of waste due to accidental dropping of container during conveyance.

Conformance to both local and regulatory specifications for waste collection

ii. Design for Ease of Collection

This covers issues affecting usability and interoperability. Containers should also be durable, easy to handle, and economical, as well as resistant to corrosion, weather, and animals. Collection trucks could be designed to have special

Type of storage container (plastic bag, plastic or metal containers, etc)

Size of container (Large/heavy storage containers to have wheels)

Material of containers (HDPE, steel and fiber glass)

Type of collection truck (pneumatic, top loader, rear

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mechanism for lifting, loading, etc

loader, side loader)

Location of storage container (curb side/alley, drop off, etc)

Sorting ability and motivation. Provision for waste separation to support processing (separate storage containers for different waste, color/inlet shape coding of containers, etc)

Collection trucks to have mechanism for lifting

Public awareness


iii. Design for Efficiency This covers ability of the system to meet the needs in the right way fit for purpose.

Collection frequency plan

Collection crew

Collection trucks to have hydraulic compaction to allow for collection of more waste on a single trip.

Distance covered

iv. Design for Reliability and Availability

This is a measure of both the performance and effectiveness of a system when and as long as it is needed during any operational use and at any given (random) time.

Plan for redundancy for collection trucks

Minimum MTBF, MTTR and administrative downtimes.

Replacement and spares for storage bins and collection truck parts (easy location of service stations)

Collection scheduling

Fuel of collection truck (diesel, natural gas)

3.1.3. “DESIGN FOR…” FACTORS FOR THE TRANSFER/TRANSPORT SUBSYSTEM

Table 4: Basic Design Factors for the Transfer/Transport Subsystem



Requirements that addresses health and safety risks to users and

Location of transfer stations away from residence and human habited areas

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environment. Transfer trucks should be covered as much as possible to minimize air pollution

Water tightness to prevent leakage of liquid

Conformance to both local and regulatory specifications for transportation of waste

ii. Design for Ease of Transfer/Transport

This covers issues affecting usability and interoperability.

Type of transfer/transport truck

Size of transfer truck dependent on size of transfer station

Loading and unloading Mechanism

Public awareness


iii. Design for Efficiency This covers ability of the system to meet the needs in the right way fit for purpose.

Collection frequency plan

Collection crew

Collection trucks have hydraulic compaction to allow for collection of more waste on a single trip.

iv. Design for Reliability and Availability


Same as in Collection systems for transfer/transport trucks

v. Design for Maintainability

This is an inherent characteristic of system design that pertains to the ease, accuracy, safety and economy in the performance of maintenance actions.

Parts and labor for repair and maintenance

Costs for towing and lost crew time due to breakdowns

Vehicle operating costs (fuel, insurance, tires, etc.).

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3.1.4. “DESIGN FOR…” FACTORS FOR THE PROCESSING SUBSYSTEM

Table 5: Basic Design Factors for the Processing Subsystem




Location of processing sites

Pollution related issues


ii. Design for Efficiency This covers ability of the system to meet the needs in the right way fit for purpose.

Location of multiple processing locations

Ease of access to processing sites

Distance of Processing sites

Choice of handling equipment

iii. Design for Reliability and Availability


Availability of various processing site

Capacity of processing stations

Minimum MTBF, MTTR and administrative downtimes.

Design for redundancy for equipment processing capability

Multiple sorting line

Proximity to public utility to support operations

iv. Design for Flexibility Consideration for alternative mechanisms in view of changing social, economic and environmental conditions as well as technological improvements

Alternatives for processing (Recycling, incineration, etc)

v. Design for Supportability

Sustaining maintenance and support of the system throughout its entire lifecycle

Maintenance support plan

Logistics and personnel planning

Training

vi. Design for Ease of Integration and

Interface design between the various subsystem and

Site sorting ability

Efficiency vehicle space for

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Interoperability operators of processing sites

transport vehicle

Local council to support and monitor operations

Proximity to public utility to support operations

3.1.5. “DESIGN FOR…” FACTORS FOR THE FINAL DISPOSAL SUBSYSTEM

Table 6: Basic Design Factors for the Final disposal Subsystem




Location of landfill sites.

Health and environmental hazard


ii. Design for Efficiency This covers ability of the system to meet the needs in the right way fit for purpose.

Choice of equipment

Availability of open field or land for excavation

iii. Design for Social Acceptability

The success of a SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT system depends largely on stakeholders’ acceptance and support.

Involve public opinion

Site for location of bins, transfer stations, processing center, landfill, etc.

4. DESIGN TRADE-OFF

In order to meet with design objectives, there may be a need for trade-off. Some design consideration or factors can however not be compromised. Issue regarding health and safety cannot be compromised for any other design objective. Other issues regarding choice of equipment, machinery, crew and operation methodologies may be trade-off to meet the requirement of the operation area.

Great attention needs to be paid to the “design for...” in order to accomplish a complete lifecycle approach to Solid Waste Management.

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REFERENCE

Abeliotis, K., 2011. Life Cycle Assessment in Municipal Solid Waste Management, Integrated Waste Management - Volume I, Mr. Sunil Kumar (Ed.). InTech, Available from: http://www.intechopen.com/books/integrated-waste-management-volume-i/life-cycle-assessment-in-municipal-solid-waste-management [Accessed 23 November 2012]

Blanchard, B.S., 2008. System Engineering Management. 4th Ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Blanchard, B.S., Fabrycky, W.J., 2011. Systems Engineering and Analysis. 5th Ed. New Jersey, Pearson Education Inc. (Prentice Hall)

Dorf, R.C., 2005. The Engineering Handbook. Boca Raton, London, CRC Press.

Emes, M, et al., 2012. MECHGS02 – System Lifecycle Course Material (5-9November 2012). Department of Space and Climatic Physics, UCL.

ISO 14001:2004(E) - Environmental management system - Specification with guidance for use, 2nd Ed. International Standard Organization, 2004.

ISO 14004:2010 - Environmental management system - General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques. International Standard Organization, 2004.

ISO 14062:2002 – Environmental management – Integrating environmental aspects into product design and development. International Standard Organization, 2004.

McDougall F.R., White P., Franke M., & Hindle P., 2001. Integrated Solid Waste Management: A Life Cycle Inventory. 2nd Ed. Oxford UK: Blackwell Science.

O’Leary, P.R, Walsh, P.W., 1995. EPA/600/ Decision Maker's Guide to Solid Waste Management, Volume II. Washington DC, United State Environmental Protection Agency

Solid Waste Management. Caribbean Youth Environment Network, Available from: http://www.cyen.org/innovaeditor/assets/Solid%20waste%20management.pdf [Accessed 23 November 2012]

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"Design For..." for Solid Waste Management Systems