Recycling Collection

Recyclable Collection and Processing. This model demonstrates a collection of recycled goods and the subsequent careful sorting of goods afterwards. This model demonstrates visualizing the utilization (or non-utilization) of resources in a process.

0. There is one item in this process: Recyclable.

1. Input a rate of "Finding Recyclables". In this case we have this coming in at a constant time of 1 every 3 seconds.

2. Collecting the Recyling takes less time than Sorting. In this case, we set the Processing Time to be a constant of 1 second. This might be adding the recycleable to a pile.

3. Sorting takes more time than Collecting. In this case, we set the Process Time to be a constant of 3 seconds. This takes the recycled material, washes it a bit, and then puts it into the appropriate bin.

4. Create two Resource Blocks, and attach each to their respective Activity Blocks. One person is going to collect Recycleables while the other rinses and sorts it.

5. After running the simulation, look at the Utilization of Volunteer 1. Notice how it is much lower than the Utilization of Volunteer 2. This indicates that Volunteer 1 was only active 34% of the time, leaving 66% of time. Maybe this resource can be utilized in other ways.

While this is a very theoretical model of recyling, we do want to demonstrate Non-Utilized Resources. Non-Utilized Resources is a form of waste and generally includes failing to recognizing the ideas and talents of those working in a process. However, in this case, we also demonstrate the how Process Playground can show the percentage of time a resource is actually active.