A Case Study on the Optimization of Municipal Solid Waste Collection

摘要

Curbside collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) constitutes a substantial portion of waste management cost. In this paper we utilize operations research tools to investigate cost reduction of MSW collection in the township of Millburn. Our research identified that network models, specifically the Chinese Postman algorithms was one of the approaches that could be used to evaluate the truck routes and the optimum sequence of each of these vehicles needed to collect the generated waste. The township of Millburn has a population of 20,000 in approximately 7,000 households. The township collects waste from curbsides of single family and two family units. Based on information provided from the township that includes number of houses per street, waste collection track used, and the frequency of collection per week, the number of trucks needed for a selected prototype section (Glenwood section of Millburn) of the town was determined first. Then with the aid of Graph Magics software, where the Chinese Postman algorithm was one of its modules, we obtained the optimum route for each of the trucks. Our approach provides a platform to compare current MSW practice of this section of the town and possible improvement that can be realized thereof. It is expected that the proposed approach will serve as a benchmark for possible cost savings for the town of Millburn.