Interindustrial Material Reclamation Effects on Regional Economies

An approach to the construction of a regional input-output model for the analysis of solid waste problems is outlined. Building upon an available conventional static regional input-output model, three models are presented; each is nested inside the other and leading to the proposed model. These models are a) a simple model of production and waste generation; b) a production and waste disposition model; and c) a production, disposition, and reclamation model. An approach to the assessment of the role of the material reclamation industries in a regional economy is thereby suggested. It centers on the contribution material reclamation industries make to total output of conventional producing industries. The analysis suggests the way to the evaluation of material reclamation industries (which tends also to reclaim unutilized labor) in terms of a broad regional development policy related to solid-waste management.