Classification of seven Iranian recycling industries using MCDM models

Iranian recycling industries deal with generating lots of new materials and products. The value added to the national assets is impressive by the industries. The present research collected the initial data of recycling industries based on assessments completed by the evaluator team in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The objective of the current study was allocated to develop a new classification for recycling industries. The industries classified with regard to input and output networks introduced into industries cycles that were picked up from the screening step of projects in EIA. To classify the industries was employed MultiCriteria Decision Making (MCDM) models along with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in combination with Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) model. The industries were ranked based on the materials and energy streams. The weighing system of CRiteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) was used to conduct the special vector into ranking systems. Findings confirmed full coincidence and compliance among 6 MCDM models applied as a sensitivity analysis. It can be concluded that the Nominal Capacity (NC) of industries plays the main role to sort out all recycling industries into a certain class and place them in a separate class pertain to energy and materials streams.