Optimization Techniques in Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Systematic Review

Abstract

As a consequence of human activity, waste generation is unavoidable, and its volume and complexity escalate with urbanization, economic progress, and the elevation of living standards in cities. Annually, the world produces about 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste, which often lacks environmentally safe management. The importance of solid waste management lies in its role in sustainable development, aimed at reducing the environmental harms from waste creation and disposal. With the expansion of urban populations, waste management systems grow increasingly complex, necessitating more sophisticated optimization strategies. This analysis thoroughly examines the optimization techniques used in solid waste management, assessing their application, benefits, and limitations by using PRISMA 2020. This study, reviewing the literature from 2010 to 2023, divides these techniques into three key areas: waste collection and transportation, waste treatment and disposal, and resource recovery, using tools like mathematical modeling, simulation, and artificial intelligence. It evaluates these strategies against criteria such as cost-efficiency, environmental footprint, energy usage, and social acceptability. Significant progress has been noted in optimizing waste collection and transportation through innovations in routing, bin placement, and the scheduling of vehicles. The paper also explores advancements in waste treatment and disposal, like selecting landfill sites and converting waste to energy, alongside newer methods for resource recovery, including sorting and recycling materials. In conclusion, this review identifies research gaps and suggests directions for future optimization efforts in solid waste management, emphasizing the need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, leveraging new technologies, and adopting tailored approaches to tackle the intricate challenges of managing waste. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, waste management professionals, and researchers involved in crafting sustainable waste strategies.