Optimization Tool to Maximize Use of Resources for Environmental Improvements to Waste Disposal Sites

Abstract

In countries where resources are limited, especially in developing countries, it is important to use all available resources effectively and efficiently for the mitigation of environmental impacts caused by waste disposal sites. The aim of this paper is to present a tool for supporting decision making on environmental impact mitigation options. The proposed tool is designed to maximize short-term environmental improvements at waste disposal sites according to available resources. The process involves identifying environmental impacts caused by waste disposal activities and prioritizing these impacts using the analytical hierarchy process. The process then identifies mitigating options for each environmental impact with cost of mitigation and potential environmental improvement for each option. Using an optimization method it then determines the maximum achievable environmental improvement based on the affordability of relevant local authorities who maintain the disposal sites. This tool will provide decision makers with information on the cost effectiveness of various environmental improvement options. This tool also has the potential to use in new landfill site selection to determine the most cost-effective site. Relevant examples are provided in the paper to illustrate the use of the tool.