A comparison of reverse vending machine alternatives

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the use of the Life-Cycle Cost Analysis technique and the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique as decision tools for determining the most economical choice of three Reverse Vending machine alternatives.

The report compares costs associated with production and construction, operation and maintenance, disposal, and metal income. Difficult to quantify factors, such as, ease of use, appearance, and accessibility were also investigated. Each technique yielded a different recommendation.