Introduction:

Fast population growth has generated an increase in the consumption and therefore it has influenced the rise of the solid waste generation, which causes adverse effects on the environment if treated inadequated. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a kind of solid waste generated that is 100% recyclable, however it is ending in landfills reducing the lifespan of them and consuming resources like petroleum in order to generate new products.

Objective:

Evaluating the effect on the environment of PET recycling by means of a system dinamics model.

Material and method:

The variables considered were water and energy consumption, CO2 emissions and landfill lifespan varying the PET recycling rate. RESULTS: the increase of the recycling rate cause a decrease in water and energy consumption as well as de CO2 emissions and produce a rise in the landfill lifespan.

Conclusions:

It is still important to follow the acomplishment of the solid waste management policies so as to enhace the decision making process related to generate a positive impact on the environment.

        · resumen en Español | Portugués     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )