Impediments to Refractory Recycling Decision-making
Abstract
This paper focuses on organizational impediments to the successful implementation of industrial recycling programs. Even if a technologically viable and mutually beneficial solution were to exist, there are a number of organizational impediments that make it unlikely to succeed unless the benefits are very large and apparent. These impediments stem from the difficulty in identifying potential partners and involving the appropriate individuals within the firms that understand the technical requirements, value the strategic benefits and are receptive towards establishing the industrial recycling relationship. This dilemma applies to many industrial recycling opportunities, but solutions do exist. One way to avoid some of these obstacles is to use a middleman, or broker, who can play several crucial roles to establish the relationship. This paper describes the impediments and key broker roles, and provides a case study dealing with refractory recycling. It provides a case study that documents a recycling relationship between an aluminum-manufacturing firm that produces a large volume of spent refractories and a regional portland cement producer that is using the spent refractories as an alternative raw material source. This paper also provides a thorough literature search in the area of refractory recycling. Finally, the case study provides an opportunity for analysis and reflection on the implications of these findings to industrial firms, industrial societies and governmental agencies that seek to encourage successful recycling operations. Copyright © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.
Recommended Citation
H. Nystrom et al., "Impediments to Refractory Recycling Decision-making," Resources, Conservation and Recycling, vol. 31, no. 4, pp. 317 - 326, Elsevier, Jan 2001.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(00)00090-2
Department(s)
Engineering Management and Systems Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Brokers; Cost and risk minimization; Decision making; Industrial wastes; Intangible benefits; Recycling; Reusing; Solid waste management; Spent refractories
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0921-3449
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2001
