Linear Programming for Analysis of Material Recovery Facilities

Abstract

The feasibility, advantages, and problems of using linear‐programming methods in the preliminary analysis of central material‐recovery facilities are discussed and demonstrated. The design and operation of such facilities involves a wide variety of choices. Linear programming can help identify promising directions for design and operations from many feasible choices. Linear programming is likely to be most effective when used in conjunction with traditional engineering process flow diagrams, computerized in spreadsheet form. The proposed method is implemented using a commercial linear‐programming package and using Microsoft EXCEL spreadsheet software.