Selection of Sites for the Treatment and the Final Disposal of Construction and Demolition Waste, Using Two Approaches: An Analysis for Mexico City

Abstract

This paper proposes a solution to the current problems of Mexico City (Ciudad de México) with respect to construction and demolition waste, through a spatial analysis to locate a waste treatment and disposal infrastructure. Two analysis methodologies, specifically the multi-criteria evaluation technique and network analysis, are used with the support of geographic information systems. The results of the multi-criteria evaluation technique indicate that the most suitable places for this infrastructure location are in the south and southeast of the study area, in the Tlalpan, Milpa Alta, Xochimilco and Cuajimalpa boroughs. The results of the network analysis technique indicate that four facilities strategically located in Miguel Hidalgo, Gustavo A. Madero, Tlahuac and Tlalpan boroughs would permit the provision of service to almost all waste generation points in the study area. Decision makers in Mexico City can use either of the two approaches. If the objective is to find the best location of a single place for the treatment or disposal of huge amounts of waste, the results obtained with the multi-criteria evaluation technique should be used. On the other hand, if waste treatment is favored over final disposal, decision makers should use the results of the network analysis technique.