A systems approach to municipal solid waste management: A pilot study of Göteborg

Abstract

The proposed systems approach to solid waste management consists of two parts, first, a comprehensive model, MIMES/WASTE (a Model for description and optimization of Integrated Material flows and Energy Systems), for analysing the technical properties of the waste management system, and second, procedures to make the model into an efficient tool in the planning process. The paper focuses on the first part by describing the model and the methodology for using it for broad scope technical analysis of the waste management system. A pilot study for the Göteborg region in Sweden, illustrating the methodology and the use of the model, is presented. The MIMES/WASTE model is a systems engineering tool for strategic planning of municipal waste management systems. The model provides a framework for consistent evaluation of: (i) a large number of feasible options for developing the system, (ii) the effects of uncertainties in the system environment and, (iii) various goals set up for the system (e.g. cost efficiency, environmental control, recycling, and energy production). Three modes of application are discussed: long-term planning; short-term planning; and consequence analysis.