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Paper and cardboard - recovery or disposal?

Released: 2006/06/30: See The full report

The initial objective of the report is to analyse whether LCA and CBA studies that pass a quality test reach the same conclusion. The second, and more important, objective is to analyse why results of such studies differ. Here, the report looks at how definitions of system boundaries and other parameters influence the results. The report uses the findings to discuss the possibilities and limitations of LCA and CBA studies as tools in guiding decisions on waste policy, particularly at European level.

The reviewed LCA studies all reach the same conclusion on treatment options - namely that from an environmental point of view recycling is better than incineration or landfilling. For the CBA studies, it is not possible to set a common quality standard due to large variations between the studies. However, it is noted that the analysed CBA studies, do not reach a consensus on what is environmentally the best option.

The report notes that the outcome of the studies depends crucially on the assumptions made. Furthermore, while an international standard has been developed for LCA methodology, there is not yet such a standard for CBA studies. This of course complicates comparisons. Also, LCA studies tend to be less bound to national geographical limitations than CBA studies. When offered to policymakers as a support for their decision-making, it is important that they are made aware of such limitations.