A novel mathematical model for municipal waste collection and energy generation: case study of Kermanshah city

Abstract

Purpose

Waste production and related environmental problems have caused urban services management many problems in collecting, transporting and disposal of waste. Since collecting and transporting waste are important parts of waste management budget, it is necessary to apply an appropriate method to reduce costs of collection. The aim of this study is to design a new model for urban waste collection vehicle routing problem with time windows and energy generating from waste.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiobjective model is presented with the objectives of minimizing cost of waste collection, reducing emissions from environmental pollutants and increasing income of recycles trade and energy recovery. Concerning the complexity of the model and its inability to solve large-scale problems, hyperactive genetic algorithms and multiple objective particle swarm optimization are applied.

Findings

The proposed model not only affects costs and income but also reduces the emissions of environmental pollutants. To solve the formulated model, multitarget approaches are applied on the processing site of Kermanshah city as a case study. The solutions of these algorithms and the exact method of partial constraints are compared and the outcomes are verified by numerical analysis by solving various examples in small, medium and large scales. The proposed model helps to collect urban wastes in the shortest possible time in addition to reducing the total cost, revenues from the sale of recycled materials and energy generation.

Research limitations/implications

Waste collection is related to VRP issue. Considering the environmental requirements in waste management, the concept of green supply chain is approached. This study provides a better understanding of urban waste management by examining various articles and combining economic and environmental dimensions. Waste management with a green approach and energy production from disposable waste involves many common stakeholders.

Practical implications

This study suggests that proper waste management can generate revenue from municipal waste. Moreover, it reduces cost of collecting and emission of environmental pollutants. These findings could motivate companies to waste management with a sustainable approach.

Originality/value

The proposed model boosts the current understanding of the waste management and energy generation of waste. The paper adds additional values by unveiling some key future research directions. This guidance may demonstrate possible existing and unexplored gaps so that researchers can direct future research to develop new processes.

Citation

Valizadeh, J. (2020), "A novel mathematical model for municipal waste collection and energy generation: case study of Kermanshah city", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 31 No. 5, pp. 1437-1453. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-02-2020-0027