Recovering value from MRFs (754.52 KB) - Wrap

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Understanding MRFs 12Cost implicationsA sample cost curve for MRF operations has been derived from the MRFCost Model and is presented below. This shows the variation in the unitcost per tonne for MRFs of different design capacities. It shows that theunit cost per tonne begins to level out at higher throughput tonnages(80,000 – 100,000 tpa) but rises significantly at lower throughputtonnages. In the example given the cost of an 80,000 tonnes per yearfacility operating at full capacity is £40 per tonne, compared to £80 pertonne for a 40,000 tonnes per annum facility.MRFs operating atabove design capacityrisk failing to meetquality standards.The cost curve also shows the cost implications of operating a MRFat 50% capacity (i.e. on a single-shift) compared to full capacity (i.e.a two-shift basis). The lower of the two cost curves applies when aMRF is operating at full design capacity. Any reduction in throughputtonnage below that level increases the unit cost of processing. Fora facility with a design capacity of 80,000 tonnes per year, the costdifferential between operating at full capacity and 50% capacity isalmost £20 per tonne. MRFs operating at above design capacity riskfailing to meet quality standards.Fully co-mingled MRF – cost per tonne.MRF Gross Costs20050% CapacityFull CapacityCost/Tonnes in £’s18016014012010080604020010,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 70,000 80,000 90,000Tonnes/yr
Understanding MRFs 13As a result of the work underpinning the development of the modelsome broad conclusions can be drawn regarding the sizing of MRFsand the opportunities to achieve economies of scale.Processing higher tonnages can be economically advantageousThe MRF cost model suggests that MRFs below an annualcapacity of 80-100,000 tonnes will not achieve optimal operatingcosts. Facilities of this scale are needed to achieve economiesof scale but also to justify investment in more automated andsophisticated sorting equipment that will help maximise the valueof the recovered materials. By sorting incoming materials intomore categories, the value of these materials can be increased.Historically UK MRFs have tended to be smaller (less than 50,000tonnes per annum) although new capacity is being planned at thissize or significantly greater.Processing costs at a fully co-mingled MRF are higher than thoseat a two- stream MRF of the same sizeAt a fully co-mingled MRF, more sorting is required to separate outdifferent recyclable materials. For the example facilities includedin the cost model, the additional gross processing costs range from£6 per tonne (at an annual throughput of 85,000 tonnes) to £23 pertonne (at an annual throughput of 10,000 tonnes).
Page 1 and 2: Local authority recyclingRecovering
Page 3 and 4: Understanding MRFs ForewordThe UK i
Page 5 and 6: Understanding MRFs MRF operationsTh
Page 7 and 8: Understanding MRFs Sorting can be d
Page 9 and 10: Understanding MRFs Sorting metal co
Page 11 and 12: Understanding MRFs Managing residue
Page 13: Understanding MRFs 11By changing th
Page 17 and 18: Understanding MRFs 15Safeguarding a
Page 19 and 20: Understanding MRFs 17ConclusionsThe

Recovering value from MRFs (754.52 KB) - Wrap

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?