| While the Navy's current solid waste management approach results in waste types that meet current disposal regulations, it does not, reduce the mass of non-recyclable solid waste generated by the fleet. The technologies currently fitted, are not capable of converting most waste types into low-volume recyclables that can be safely stored onboard for long periods. Nor are current equipment fits capable of converting these wastes into forms with negligible environmental impact. Life cycle-based, integrated solid waste management approaches can reduce the mass of non-recyclable wastes and are preferable from a sustainability viewpoint. The Integrated Solid Waste Management Model developed in this thesis can facilitate progress towards fully integrated, sustainable waste management practice in the fleet. This research indicates that the ISWM has a demonstrable capacity for accurate prediction of shipboard waste accumulations, given the availability of sufficient and reliable data. |
