iris

A Tool for investigating Integrated Resource Recovery Systems

The Problem for Local Government

Councils have a long history of providing  waste  management services and many have started to consider making the transition to Integrated Resource Recovery (IRR) systems. But what is sort of IRR system will be best for your circumstances? Your Council is characterised by many unique features and the system which works best for a large Regional Council won't always suit a small rural Council. Couple the variation between Local Governments with the diversity of options for IRR systems and you're faced with a bewildering array of considerations.
Local Governments are expected to consider all these matters when selecting an IRR system for their region and yet many have traditionally been poorly equipped to do so. To support the investigation process, you need tools which can help you make sense of all this information.

The iris solution

The Integrated Resource Recovery and Recycling Investigation System (iris for short) is a responsive software package & toolkit designed to harness an extensive range of information in the investigation process.

iris is a Multi-criteria Analysis tool designed to guide Local Governments through the maze of issues surrounding IRR Systems. Built on the familiar Microsoft® Excel platform, iris helps the decision-maker undertake a rational comparison between options using data and methodology that you tailor to your Council or group of Councils.

iris is an "Integrated’ package because, unlike other programs, it simultaneously models all major aspects of your waste management system – collection, resource recovery, recycling and land-filling. What’s more, iris combines financial, social, technical and environmental measurements, in a single tool.

The iris output

After an analysis has been conducted, the Municipal Waste Advisory Council generates a performance report. The report includes a ranking of the alternatives from best to worst as well as graphs and tables which present the performance data in a number of easily digestible ways. It’s important to remember that iris doesn't make the final decision, it provides one perspective on relative merit of the alternatives.