This is a brief description of studies that exemplify the methods and approaches that have been developed and used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers in conducting integrated assessments. See the complete list of Integrated Assessment Briefs to find out more about ORNL's efforts in integrated assessment. Contact Mike Farrell (farrellmp@ornl.gov) for more information.

Recent Trends in Automobile Recycling: Economic, Social, and Energy Issues

Life cycle energy impacts of various recycling scenarios for the model year 2000 vehicle.

To what extent will (1) current trends toward the greater use of nonmetallic materials in automobiles and (2) the development of new recycle technologies impact the economic viability of automobile recycling in the United States?

The study (1) examined automobile recycling in Europe and Japan to document social and economic "lessons learned," (2) estimated the energy systems impacts of the recycling status quo and probable energy impacts of alternative technical and institutional approaches to recycling, and (3) identified major policy issues that will be key to the future economic viability of automobile shredder facilities in the United States. The study estimated that during the coming decade the quantity of energy used in the manufacture of automobiles will increase (because of the increased use of plastics and aluminum); the energy consumed during the life of the automobile will decrease (in response to new technologies and lightweight materials); and, somewhat surprisingly, the energy savings from the recycling of automobiles will increase (primarily because of the increased recycling of aluminum). The adoption of new recycling technologies and approaches (e.g., thermoplastic recycling and incineration of automobile shredder residue) will have little impact on energy savings at the recycle step.

Curlee, T. R., S. Das, C. G. Rizy, and S. M. Schexnayder. 1994. Recent trends in automobile recycling: An energy and economic assessment. ORNL/TM-12628. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tenn.

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Integrated Assessment Briefs. 1995. ORNL/M-4227. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN.