Frequently Asked Questions
What are Integrated Resource Recovery Systems?
The US Environmental Protection Agency defines Integrated Resource Recovery Systems (IRR systems) as "the complementary use of a variety of waste management practices to safely and effectively handle the municipal solid waste stream with the least impact on human health and the environment" (U.S. EPA, 2000).
At the Municipal Waste Advisory Council, we tend to use the term to describe waste management systems which include a collection service, a recycling service, recover resources from waste like energy or compost and safely dispose of the residual waste.
What is iris?
iris is a software-based assessment tool for Integrated Resource Recovery (IRR) Systems. Its principal aim is to provide waste management decision-makers with an up-to-date, independent and cost-effective tool to investigate alternative IRR systems. iris applies a straightforward Multi-criteria Analysis methodology to compare alternatives using many different criteria.
Why does my Council need iris?
MWAC knows that simply choosing the right IRR system is a daunting project in itself. Local Governments are expected to display transparency and accountability in all their works selection processes. Councils must show that they have given due consideration to all the relevant factors in choosing between IRR system options. iris allows you to compare the available options based on their cost, reliability, flexibility, environmental performance and social acceptability. Most importantly, iris assesses the alternatives using data that is specific to your Council.
Does iris really tailor the analysis to my Council or Shire?
Yes, iris gives you the opportunity to model the alternative systems using the maximum possible proportion of local data. Nearly all of the data used by iris can be modified to incorporate locally derived values. iris even provides tools to conduct some of the assessments so that you can go out and obtain the local data you need. Finally, iris lets your community weight the performance criteria to reflect their values and priorities.
What do I need to run iris?
The system requirements for using iris are a computer with Windows 98 (or later) with 400 MHz Pentium II CPU (or faster). You’ll also need to have Microsoft Excel 2000 or Microsoft Excel 97 in order to run iris, while the associated files require Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 and Windows Media Player or Real Media Player.
What kind of data will I need to provide?
Using the Excel spreadsheet you will provide data describing:
1.- The council and the system it presently operates
2.- The alternative systems which are being considered
3.- The priorities for the stakeholders and the council in
terms of financial, environmental and social factors.
What if I don't have all the data?
While local data may be preferred, iris allows you to model the options even when you don’t have all the data. iris contains a library of default values for many of the data fields. Obviously, the more local data you can provide, the more relevant the final output will be.
Why is MWAC responsible for generating the final report?
iris has been deliberately split into two parts - a front-end distributed to Councils for the input of data and a back-end retained by MWAC for analysis and preparation of reports. This has been done for two reasons. Firstly it ensures that the most up-to-date default information can be assured and secondly it improves MWAC's ability to publish updated versions of iris and ensure that the latest versions are always used.
How long will it take for MWAC to return the Report to me?
Subject to the investigation being relatively straight-forward, MWAC will strive to return to you a completed report within 10 working days of receiving your data. Delays may occur during particularly busy periods or when an investigation requires substantial additional work. However, MWAC will keep you informed about any delays.
Will there be new versions of iris?
The iris system can be developed and improved over time. MWAC will continue to draw on the growing international expertise in measuring the performance of IRR Systems to add features and better data, subject to budgetary constraints. You may wish to discuss the kinds of improvements you would like to see made to iris with an MWAC staff member.