Analysing Impacts of Landfill Charge on Recycling Rate Based on a System Dynamics System Model

In China, construction and demolition (C&D) waste is one of the largest waste streams. Majority of the waste is improperly managed and disposed in dumping sites. Therefore, there is a pressing need to properly manage C&D waste for a sustainable future. Legislative measures could be adopted to stimulate C&D waste recycling. It is found that increase in landfill charge could decrease reliance on landfill. This study develops a system dynamics model to evaluate impacts of landfill charge and its combination policy with development of recycling centres on recycling rate of C&D waste. The model is developed through Vensim PLE software, and urban area of Chongqing, China is selected as a case study. Findings indicate that landfill charges of 10 yuan/ton (or US $1.47/ton) and 30 yuan/ton (or US $4.42/ton) have limited impacts on recycling rate. Landfill charge of 50 yuan/ton (or US $7.36/ton) can make some differences. Impacts of combination policies are obvious and recycling rate in this scenario is higher than that in base scenario. Findings of this paper could help improve the efficiency of C&D waste management and adopt market for recycled aggregate.