Optimal Regional Scheduling of Solid Waste Systems. I: Model Development

Abstract

A deterministic linear programming model is presented that can be used to aid decision makers in the long-term scheduling of disposal and diversion options in a regional integrated solid waste management system. The model can be used to determine what types of integrated solid waste management programs to implement, and when to implement them, in order to minimize costs over a long planning period. The model is capable of handling multiple communities, landfills, and incinerators, and can incorporate the possible implementation of numerous collection and diversion options, such as recycling and composting programs. The model can incorporate mutually exclusive collection and facility options. The model also uses innovative approaches in determining the volume of waste land filled and energy content of wastes incinerated, given the effect of implemented diversion options on the waste stream. Alternative methods to handle costs in the objective function are discussed, including (1) units costs; (2) mutually exclusive facility options, each with an associated unit cost; (3) fixed and operating costs; and (4) variable costs using the piecewise linear approximation method. In a companion paper, a hypothetical case study is used to explore the capabilities of the model.