An Evaluative Tool for Solid Waste Management

Abstract

Computer-assisted decision making in the public policy arena has become more prevalent in recent years as policymakers have faced increasing demands for accountability. Numerous support tools have been presented in the literature and applied in practice. This paper presents a new computerized decision support tool customized for a particular public policy issue—solid waste management. The model, Multiple Attribute Decision System, differs from models previously presented in the decision support and solid waste modeling literature by its comprehensive, systems approach. Solid waste systems are shown to be large, complex, multidimensional, squishy systems. The comprehensive approach of the Multiple Attribute Decision System addresses these issues by considering human factors as well as the mechanics of solid waste management, and economic and environmental impacts are assessed. This paper uses the solid waste example to highlight the importance of this study's approach for public policy problems.