productivity and minimizes environmental impact can be realized. (Koizumi and Zhou 2005,
Koizumi 2006)
If ordered international trade is dubbed a global trade system, then ordered international resource waste trade can be called a global recycling system. However, global
recycling is not effective for all materials. Effectiveness depends on economic
conditions (resource demand, wages), technological progress, scarcity of resources,
and changes in the surrounding environment, such as laws and systems. Even if
ineffective at a given point, the system is dynamic, thus can become effective under
favorable conditions.
17.2.2 Appropriate Judgment of a Global Recycling System
(GRS)
In addition to the benefits of effective resource utilization, a GRS is characterized by
environmental pollution from waste products that has unequal effects on the countries exporting and importing waste. Importing countries are not unilaterally damaged by environmental pollution and can enjoy the benefits of securing low-cost
resources and expanding employment. It may also be advantageous from a global
environment point of view, through, for example, a reduction in air pollution load
due to avoidance of conversion from mining to materials. Nevertheless, the environmental benefits are externalized because they are not accounted for within the
market. Importing countries risk introducing illegal waste and contamination. If
technology for preventing environmental pollution is unavailable and environmental
management is insufficient, adverse health effects also become a concern.
Exporting countries enjoy the benefits of reducing waste disposal costs, extending
the lifetime of disposal plants, and avoiding pollution. However, if the venous
industry is hollowed out and export waste is leaked via illegal routes, there are
costs associated with rectifying the situation and a risk of bad publicity for
environment-polluting exporters or export companies. The impact of the import
and export of resource waste on society is classified into three components: economy, environment, and society. The costs, benefits, and sustainability of domestic
and international recycling methods are summarized in Fig. 17.3.
1. Economy refers to the benefits and costs internalized in the market economy. In
the recycling process and during waste disposal, the lower price of recycled
resources is a benefit, and costs are those associated with recycling and landfill.
2. Environment is a factor that encompasses influences on noise, vibration, landscape, soil, water quality, and air quality (CO 2 , SO x , NO x , etc.) that change
individual utility levels.
3. Society includes the social impact of prolonged operation of the disposal site,
including employment.
17 Global Recycling System for an East Asian Low-Carbon Society
311
Koizumi 2006)
If ordered international trade is dubbed a global trade system, then ordered international resource waste trade can be called a global recycling system. However, global
recycling is not effective for all materials. Effectiveness depends on economic
conditions (resource demand, wages), technological progress, scarcity of resources,
and changes in the surrounding environment, such as laws and systems. Even if
ineffective at a given point, the system is dynamic, thus can become effective under
favorable conditions.
17.2.2 Appropriate Judgment of a Global Recycling System
(GRS)
In addition to the benefits of effective resource utilization, a GRS is characterized by
environmental pollution from waste products that has unequal effects on the countries exporting and importing waste. Importing countries are not unilaterally damaged by environmental pollution and can enjoy the benefits of securing low-cost
resources and expanding employment. It may also be advantageous from a global
environment point of view, through, for example, a reduction in air pollution load
due to avoidance of conversion from mining to materials. Nevertheless, the environmental benefits are externalized because they are not accounted for within the
market. Importing countries risk introducing illegal waste and contamination. If
technology for preventing environmental pollution is unavailable and environmental
management is insufficient, adverse health effects also become a concern.
Exporting countries enjoy the benefits of reducing waste disposal costs, extending
the lifetime of disposal plants, and avoiding pollution. However, if the venous
industry is hollowed out and export waste is leaked via illegal routes, there are
costs associated with rectifying the situation and a risk of bad publicity for
environment-polluting exporters or export companies. The impact of the import
and export of resource waste on society is classified into three components: economy, environment, and society. The costs, benefits, and sustainability of domestic
and international recycling methods are summarized in Fig. 17.3.
1. Economy refers to the benefits and costs internalized in the market economy. In
the recycling process and during waste disposal, the lower price of recycled
resources is a benefit, and costs are those associated with recycling and landfill.
2. Environment is a factor that encompasses influences on noise, vibration, landscape, soil, water quality, and air quality (CO 2 , SO x , NO x , etc.) that change
individual utility levels.
3. Society includes the social impact of prolonged operation of the disposal site,
including employment.
17 Global Recycling System for an East Asian Low-Carbon Society
311