Identification of the driving force of waste generation using a high-resolution waste input-output table
Journal
Journal of Cleaner Production
Journal Volume
94
Pages
294-303
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Abstract
Effective strategic planning for industrial waste management requires sound knowledge of the waste streams in an economy. Based on an input-output analysis with an extended function to consider the entire life cycle of a product, waste input-output (WIO) analysis plays an important role in describing the driving forces behind the generation of industrial waste. In this study, we compile a high-resolution WIO table for Taiwan that traces the flow of waste streams covering almost all types of waste emitted from industries into corresponding waste treatments and that identifies the driving force of waste in the economic system. In addition, we generate a detailed breakdown of the final demand categories into sub-categories to clarify consumption patterns or lifestyles that produce specific waste streams. The results show that export is the main driving force generating industrial waste. This dominance is obvious for "waste acidic etchants" and "copper and copper compounds", of which the electronic parts and components sector is the largest generator. In addition, this study reveals the industries that create the substantial demand for incinerators and landfills. This article illuminates the diagnostic features of the high-resolution WIO table and provides useful insights for linking the WIO and supply chain analysis approaching sustainable consumption and production. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Subjects
Final demand; Sustainable consumption and production; Waste generation; Waste input-output table
Other Subjects
Copper compounds; Supply chains; Waste treatment; Consumption patterns; Diagnostic features; Final demand; Input output analysis; Input-output table; Supply chain analysis; Sustainable consumption; Waste generation; Life cycle
Type
journal article