RFID Application in Municipal Solid Waste Management System

Abstract

Processing and recovery is a key functional element in municipal solid\nwaste management system (MSWMS). Reuse, recycle and recovery of\nvaluable components of waste stream are given much attention in MSWMS\nin both developed and developing countries. The main concern of\nmunicipalities is the sound management of recyclable materials. Source\nseparation as a best practice for management of trash and recyclable\nmaterials is known to every municipalities. Since 1980 many\ntechnologies are used in recycling industry. Many municipalities are\nlearning the importance of new technologies in recycling industries,\nsuch as radio frequency identification (RFID). This technology has been\nused widely by many organizations in some industrialized countries.\nRadio frequency identification is a tagging system for automatic\nidentification of recyclable components of municipal solid waste\nstream. This paper reveals some applications of RFID technology in\nProduct self-management, with emphasize on municipal solid waste\nmanagement as well as environmental implications of RFID. Broad usage\nof RFID tags on consumer products bears risks of dissipating both toxic\nand valuable substances, and could disrupt the established recycling\nprocesses. This causes a potential mid-or-long term risks with respect\nto resource management and pollution control. However, these risks\ncould be avoided or mitigated applying precautionary principle in the\nearly stage of development of RFID technology.