A model for material flows and economic exchanges within the U.S. automotive life cycle chain

A simulation model for material flows and economic exchangeswithin the U.S. automotive material life cycle chain is presented. The model is employed to examine the effect of future changes in vehicle material composition on the automotive recycling infrastructure.The model results indicate that as vehicle material composition changes, higher dismantling/recovery rates are needed to ensure economic viability of the recycling infrastructure. Furthermore, even in the case of significantly higher rates of dismantling and plastics recovery, the amount of shredder residue per vehicle will continue to rise. © 2004 Society of Manufacturing Engineers