Multicriterial analysis in selecting a waste management system in region

Agnieszka Generowicz

doi:10.31520/2616-7107/2018.2.2-4

Agnieszka Generowicz Cracow University of Technology, Poland http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8219-0340

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31520/2616-7107/2018.2.2-4

Abstract

Introduction. The implementation of the European Union regulations into Polish law resulted in the establishment of such methods of dealing with waste in order to comply with the requirements of environmental protection and waste management plans. Each time the construction of another plant is a social and economic problem, therefore, the enhancement of the form and shape of such a system requires justification. The basic task of municipal waste management is to create technical conditions for the collection, transport, recovery, recycling and disposal of waste. The technical correctness of the system and the scope of the adverse impact resulting in lowering ecological, aesthetic and cultural values will decide about its capital expenditure and operating costs. The large number of imposed, overlapping, and often conflicting goals means that finding a favourable solution and decisively accepting it is a very difficult task, often requiring a compromise. The solution will be based on searching for the shape of a waste management system that, under existing restrictions, will ensure the best possible implementation of specific objectives under the specific conditions of the region.

Aim and tasks. The aim of the article is to present the multicriteria analysis method as a tool for analysis and selection of the waste management system in the region. In the multicriteria analysis for the selection of the most beneficial solution, it is necessary to find a function integrating individual objectives into one overall assessment. However, it is possible to choose only one solution - a compromise, and then a consistent implementation of the tasks of the chosen scenario. The presented analysis presents an example for a large city in Poland - Krakow.

Research results. The result of the presented calculations is the presentation of the assessment method for various waste management scenarios in the technical, socio-political and economic aspects. Such an assessment allows for an objective comparison between the presented waste management scenarios.

Conclusions. The result of the presented methodology of multi-criteria evaluation and analysis is the selection of the most advantageous solution of the waste management system. The presented system was assessed in a multi-aspect manner and the result allows to indicate the best solution in the presented assumptions and limitations. The method is universal and can be used for other waste management and environmental management systems.

Keywords:

multi-criteria analysis, solid waste, waste management, municipal waste.

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