Assessment and solutions for waste handling of compostable biopolymers
This dissertation is focused on highlighting the importance of end of life on the life-cycle of biopolymers, identifying how compostable biopolymer products are entering waste streams, improving collection and waste processing, and quantifying the impacts that result from the disposal of biopolymers. Biopolymers, while somewhat available to residential consumers, are primarily being used by various food service organizations trying to achieve a variety of goals such as zero waste, green advertising, and providing more consumer options. While compostable biopolymers may be able to help reduce wastes to landfill they do result in environmental tradeoffs associated with agriculture during the production phase. Biopolymers may improve the management for compostable waste streams by enabling streamlined services and reducing non-compostable fossil-based plastic contamination. The concerns about incomplete degradation of biopolymers in composting facilities may be ameliorated using alkaline amendments sourced from waste streams of other industries. While recycling still yields major benefits for traditional resins, bio-based equivalents may provide addition benefits and compostable biopolymers offer benefits with regards to global warming and fossil fuel depletion. The research presented here represents two published studies, two studies which have been accepted for publication, and a life-cycle assessment that will be submitted for publication.]]>autHottle, Troy AthsLandis, Amy E.thsAllenby, Braden R.dgcBilec, Melissa MpblArizona State UniversityengPartial requirement for: Ph. D., Arizona State University, 2015Includes bibliographical references (pages 149-168)Field of study: Civil and environmental engineeringby Troy A. Hottlehttps://hdl.handle.net/2286/R.I.3601700Doctoral DissertationAcademic thesesxii, 204 pages : color illustrations114489750531630347986154076adminIn CopyrightAll Rights Reserved2015TextEnvironmental engineeringPolymer ChemistryPlasticsbioplasticBiopolymerscompostDegradationLife-cycle Assessmentwaste managementBiopolymerscompostSalvage (Waste, etc.)