Optimal design of municipal solid waste recycling systems

Summarization: This work develops an integer linear programming methodology for the optimal design of municipal solid waste recycling systems. The model considers all costs, in present values, concerning recycling of products, disposal of solid wastes, as well as closure and monitoring of the old landfill, and opening of a new one. Economic benefits include revenues coming from the selling of the recycled goods, and those originating from extending the life of the landfill. The model was applied to the city of Chania for the recycling of paper, glass, aluminum and organic residues (putrescible matter). Recycling brings about a significant reduction in the annual cost of solid waste management, as well as an increase in the life of the landfill. The optimal recycling scheme depends on the characteristics of the areas which the city has been devided into. For the residential and tourist areas the largest possible quantities of aluminum, paper and putrescible matter should be recycled, while for the commercial area only aluminum and paper. The model also allows the investigation of less optimistic scenaria, such as future reduction of recovered materials prices or limited absorption of these materials in the market.Presented on: Resources, Conservation and Recyclin