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
ii

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
4

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
6

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
S/N Design factors Description Considerations
i. Design for Health and
Safety
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
7

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
Misuse and abuse cases
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
S/N Design factors Description Considerations
i. Design for Health and
Safety
Requirements that
addresses health and
safety risks to users and
Location of transfer stations
away from residence and
human habited areas
8

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
Misuse and abuse cases
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
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.
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
S/N Design factors Description Considerations
i. Design for Health and
Safety
Requirements that
addresses health and
safety risks to users and
environment.
Location of processing sites
Pollution related issues
Conformance to both local
and regulatory specifications
for waste collection
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
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.
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
10

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
S/N Design factors Description Considerations
i. Design for Health and
Safety
Requirements that
addresses health and
safety risks to users and
environment.
Location of landfill sites.
Health and environmental
hazard
Conformance to both local
and regulatory specifications
for waste collection
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).
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use, 2nd Ed. International Standard Organization, 2004.
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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.
OLeary, 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]