Influencing factors of Solid Waste Management global cost and efficiency: a multi-objective optimization focusing on the collection system

Development of an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system is a continuous challenge for local communities. These systems should be properly designed, paying particular attention to the optimal connection of their subsystems. Among them, the Solid Waste (SW) collection system has a primary influence. The design variables (e.g. unit collection basin and weekly removal) can be optimized according to the variation of external parameters (e.g. penetration of selective collection, population density). The objective is the minimization of specific collection cost, maintaining the maximum collection efficiency. Once the collection system is optimized, its influence on the entire SW treatment chain is evaluated. To this end, a multi-objective optimization is implemented taking into account the global cost and exergy efficiency of waste treatment. The analysed system is composed by a paper recycling plant for cardboard production and a Mechanical Biological Treatment plant for the Residual Unsorted Waste treatment, with production of Refused Derived Fuel.