Multi-objective strategic waste transfer station planning

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 230; pp. 1294 - 1304
• Main Authors: Kůdela, Jakub, Šomplák, Radovan, Nevrlý, Vlastimír, Lipovský, Tomáš, Smejkalová, Veronika, Dobrovský, Ladislav
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2019
• Subjects: Multi-objective model; Stochastic programming; Strategic planning; Transfer station; Waste treatment; Multi-objective model; Strategic planning; Waste treatment; Transfer station; Stochastic programming
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.05.167

The production of mixed municipal waste changes due to the increase of separation rate, urbanization and other factors. The future changes in the legislation and technology development influences the way the waste is being treated. Thus the method, location and capacity of processing sites are unknown. The realization of future projects can be supported by the developing of transportation infrastructure. Such a feature may be represented by a robust transfer station grid, which can be designed to handle all possible future realizations and technological solutions (establishment of waste treatment facilities). The paper presents an approach utilising a mathematical model for the design of transfer stations. It is formulated as a multi-objective two-stage mixed-integer stochastic programming problem, where the trade-off between the environmental aspect and the economic viability is considered. The model is tested through a case study for the Czech Republic, where the waste treatment of over 6,000 municipalities is analysed. The solutions for different preferences are assessed throughout the principle called out-of-sample stability with 10,000 scenarios. The optimal decision consists of the robust transfer station grid with selected locations and their respective capacity. The particular solution with respect to the potential trade-off suggests to save 1.148 mil of travelled kilometres with only 0.77 mil EUR. The output in the form of decision support can serve possible stakeholders from the field of waste management to plan more sustainable projects. •A transfer station grid designed to handle future realizations and developments.•The efficiency of waste transport was analysed for more than 6000 municipalities.•A trade-off between environmental aspects and the economic viability was considered.•A solution suggests to save travelled 1.148 mil km with only extra 0.77 mil EUR.•Introduction.