Using Spatial Analysis to Design a Solid Waste Collection System

Abstract

In this paper, a proposal was presented to improve the MSW collection service in the municipality of Reforma, in Chiapas, Mexico. Specific field work was developed and various spatial analysis techniques were applied in the GIS environment. The application of a multivariate analysis technique (Grouping Analysis) allowed the study area to be clustered into three waste collection sectors with common characteristics, which were the basis for generating three collection route scenarios. Scenario 1 corresponds to the current situation, where 478 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 60.30 km and a collection time of 8.00 h. Scenario 2 was generated through the “maximize coverage” algorithm and vehicle route modeling in ArcGis 10.8. In this scenario, 1220 waste collection points are served, with an average travel distance of 143.21 km and an average collection time of 12.38 h. Scenario 3 was created using the “minimize facilities” algorithm, as well as collection modeling in ArcGis 10.8. Using this algorithm, impedances (distances) were automatically minimized so that 697 waste collection points could be served, with an average travel distance of 100.00 km and an average collection time of 9.66 h. In terms of improvement, scenario 3 gives the best results, because it minimizes distances and average travel times.