Title: Economics of waste minimisation, recycling and energy efficiency practices for a final assembly automotive plant

Authors: Salma Shaik; Matthew J. Franchetti

Addresses: Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA ' Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA

Abstract: The case study investigates the solid waste management infrastructure, energy consumption, and wastewater generation at a large-scale final assembly automotive plant in Northeast Ohio, USA. The study is novel in that it takes a holistic approach in examining solid waste, energy usage, and wastewater generation from an economic perspective at a final assembly automotive plant. Existing records were analysed to identify historical trends and additional data were collected through a comprehensive assessment of the facility. The data analysis indicates that an additional 106.141 metric tons of waste material could be recycled annually. By replacing the existing fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting, the electricity savings are approximately 5 million kWh/year with a cost saving of $500,000/year. The paper also discusses waste-water treatment, paint sludge management, and composting opportunities which would help the plant to become more sustainable with improved economics.

Keywords: recycling; automotive assembly plant; waste minimisation; solid waste; energy management; economics; lighting; wastewater; composting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2024.141439

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2024 Vol.12 No.4, pp.287 - 302

Received: 18 Dec 2020
Accepted: 12 Apr 2022
Published online: 13 Sep 2024 *

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