An intuitionistic fuzzy score function and distance measure-based decision-making model for prioritizing sustainable strategies for electronic waste management

This paper proposes an integrated ranking approach to assess and rank the locations for solar energy plant establishment by combining improved symmetry point of criterion (SPC), pivot pairwise relative criteria importance assessment (PIPRECIA) and multi-attribute multi-objective optimisation based on the ratio analysis (MULTIMOORA) within intuitionistic fuzzy information (IFI) called as the ‘IF-modified SPC-PIPRECIA-MULTIMOORA’. We first estimate the weights of decision experts (DEs) using an IF-score function-based model, and in this line, a new score function is developed with some elegant axioms on IFI. Second, weights of criteria are computed with a combined objective-subjective weighted model, which contains the IF-improved SPC for objective weight and the IF-PIPRECIA for subjective weight of each criterion. Third, a new exponential distance measure for IFI is developed to evade the limitation of extant IF-distance measures and also presents some interesting properties. To confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed ranking framework, it is implemented in a case study of the solar energy plant site selection problem. Sensitivity assessment is made to see the impact of variation of weighting factor for prioritizing the solar energy plant sites, which depends on the weights of different criteria. Moreover, a comparison with various existing methods is discussed to show the superiority of the developed framework on IFI.

Intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS), introduced by Atanassov (1986), is the generalization of Zadeh’s fuzzy set. The basic element of IFS is an ordered pair called intuitionistic fuzzy number, based on which, Lei and Xu originally introduced the intuitionistic fuzzy function (IFF) and then developed the derivatives and differentials of IFFs. In the paper, we first define the binary intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (BIFNs) and put forward their operational principles. Then, we discuss the limit and the continuity of sequences of BIFNs. In addition, we study the continuities, the partial derivatives and the complete differentials of the intuitionistic binary fuzzy functions and then generalize the aforementioned definitions and theorems to derive the counterparts of the multivariate intuitionistic fuzzy functions.

The integration of smart city technologies into waste management is a challenging field for decision makers due to its multivariate, multi-limiting, and multi-stakeholder structure, despite its contribution to the ecological and economic sustainability understanding of cities. The success of smart sustainable waste management strategies depends on many environmental, technical, economic, and social variables, and many stakeholders are involved in these processes. Using fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods helps decision makers determine effective, affordable, and acceptable smart waste management strategies. Although MCDM methods are widely used in various environmental engineering applications, the determination of smart sustainable waste management strategies using these methods has not yet received enough attention in the literature. This study aims to contribute to this gap in the literature by evaluating four different smart waste management strategies using a hybrid fuzzy MCDM method. The performance of the proposed strategy alternatives according to fifteen sub-criteria (under four main criteria selected from the literature) was evaluated using a combined application of fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to obtain the ideal solution (fuzzy TOPSIS). For this evaluation, the subjective opinions of ten different experts working in academia, in the private sector, or in the public sector were obtained using prepared questionnaires. As a result, the sub-criteria of fewer atmospheric emissions (0.42), operational feasibility (0.64), initial investment costs (0.56), and increased awareness of sustainable cities (0.53) had the highest weight values in their main criteria groups. The performance ranking of the alternatives according to the closeness coefficient (CCi) values was obtained as A2 (0.458) > A3 (0.453) > A4 (0.452) > A1 (0.440), with A3 being slightly ahead of A4 due only to a 0.001 higher CCi value. To test the reliability and stability of the obtained performance ranking results, a sensitivity analysis was also performed using eighteen different scenarios, in which the weights of the different sub-criteria were increased by 25% or decreased by 50%, or they were assumed to be 1 and 0, or all sub-criteria in the same group had equal weight values. Since the performance ranking of the alternatives did not change, the ranking obtained at the beginning was found to be robust against the sub-criterion weight changes.

Household plastic waste management has emerged as a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas across the globe, including Eldoret City, Kenya. The proliferation of single-use plastics and inadequate waste disposal systems exacerbate environmental degradation and strain local economies. This study explores sustainable strategies for managing household plastic waste to promote socio-economic and environmental sustainability in Eldoret City. Using a desktop research approach, the study examines Eldoret waste management practices, circular economy, stakeholder involvement, and strategies for socio-economic and environmental sustainability. Key findings indicate that the absence of an efficient waste segregation and recycling system, coupled with limited public awareness, contributes to the escalating plastic waste crisis in the city. Innovative strategies such as community-based waste collection, the establishment of plastic recycling centers, and the promotion of circular economy principles are highlighted as viable solutions. Additionally, public-private partnerships, policy reforms, and incentivized waste management programs are essential to enhance participation and accountability among stakeholders. The study emphasizes the socio-economic benefits of effective plastic waste management, including job creation, reduced environmental health risks, and enhanced urban livability. Recommendations include fostering public awareness campaigns, investing in recycling infrastructure, and integrating informal waste collectors into formal systems.

The waste management strategy is expected to minimize the negative impact on the environment. In the capital city of Dili, the waste management strategy can be categorized as very concerned. Based on the data from the Ministry of State Administration shows that in 2020, people in the capital of Dili produce waste 250 tons per day. The reality of solid waste in the capital city of Dili shows a severe problem in the waste management process and strategy. This study aims to examine problems in waste management strategies and their impact in the capital city of Dili. Through a literature review approach, a scientific study will be carried out on several scientific articles related to the waste management system and the reality of solid waste in capital city of Dili. The results show that people in the capital of Dili, still use the classical system in managing solid waste. Weak government system and local regulations regarding to solid waste management, and the lack of the waste management industry based on R3 (reduce, reuse, recycle) are the main factors for the community still using the classical system. This reality harms the environment and people in the capital of Dili.

Groundwater is the largest accessible freshwater storage for humans, accounting for approximately one-third of global water abstractions while also sustaining streamflow and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Additionally, it hosts a unique subterranean ecosystem, providing a habitat for endemic species and delivering vital ecosystem services. However, accelerating human activities and their complex interdependencies with groundwater have led to worldwide challenges related to groundwater, including depletion and pollution, which threaten human and ecosystem health. Uncertain climate change impacts and shifting abstraction patterns further complicate groundwater assessments and, therefore, necessitate new approaches to investigating and managing groundwater systems towards sustainability. Transdisciplinary sustainability research has been recognized as a suitable approach for examining complex social-ecological systems, such as groundwater and its interactions with human activities, and for developing pathways towards sustainable management. Consequently, this thesis adopts a transdisciplinary research approach as an overarching concept, integrating the knowledge of scientists and stakeholders to co-produce system, orientation, and transformation knowledge in transdisciplinary groundwater assessments aimed at developing sustainable groundwater management strategies. This thesis aims to enhance the understanding of future changes in groundwater resources under uncertain climate change impacts and abstraction patterns and how these insights can inform decision-making in transdisciplinary groundwater assessments. In addition, the thesis aims to identify tools and approaches within transdisciplinary groundwater assessments that guide the development of sustainable management strategies against the background of increasingly complex and uncertain futures. Quantitative and qualitative methods were combined to achieve the research goals. Future changes of groundwater resources due to climate change and shifting abstraction patterns were identified by using numerical hydrological models, with a focus on considering uncertainties in assessing future groundwater resources. While modeling results provide a solid foundation for sustainable groundwater management strategies, addressing site-specific groundwater challenges requires additional approaches. To bridge this gap, transdisciplinary processes were developed, implemented, and evaluated in two European case studies: Mansfeld-Südharz (Germany) and Krk Island (Croatia). In a series of transdisciplinary workshops in each case study, scientists and stakeholders co-developed sustainable groundwater management strategies tailored to site-specific groundwater system challenges and stakeholder needs. Furthermore, comparative insights into transdisciplinary groundwater assessments, considering different boundary conditions and methods, were gained through participation in ongoing transdisciplinary processes in Siskiyou County, California, aiming to develop groundwater sustainability plans under a statewide regulatory framework. The thesis comprises three studies, each contributing to system, orientation, and transformation knowledge required for sustainability problem-solving. By integrating diverse modeling approaches into transdisciplinary groundwater research and emphasizing knowledge co-production, this thesis provides valuable insights into improving groundwater assessments towards their sustainable management. The findings highlight the need for a shift from disciplinary knowledge generation to collaborative knowledge co-production. To ensure the success of this approach, academic institutions and funding bodies must institutionalize long-term financial support for transdisciplinary research, providing the necessary time, resources, and flexibility for transdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, recognizing models as facilitators of knowledge co-production between science and practice while integrating reflexive perspectives in groundwater research will be crucial for safeguarding groundwater’s essential role in supporting human and ecosystem health amid climate change and growing anthropogenic pressures.

Groundwater is the largest accessible freshwater storage for humans, accounting for approximately one-third of global water abstractions while also sustaining streamflow and groundwater-dependent ecosystems. Additionally, it hosts a unique subterranean ecosystem, providing a habitat for endemic species and delivering vital ecosystem services. However, accelerating human activities and their complex interdependencies with groundwater have led to worldwide challenges related to groundwater, including depletion and pollution, which threaten human and ecosystem health. Uncertain climate change impacts and shifting abstraction patterns further complicate groundwater assessments and, therefore, necessitate new approaches to investigating and managing groundwater systems towards sustainability. Transdisciplinary sustainability research has been recognized as a suitable approach for examining complex social-ecological systems, such as groundwater and its interactions with human activities, and for developing pathways towards sustainable management. Consequently, this thesis adopts a transdisciplinary research approach as an overarching concept, integrating the knowledge of scientists and stakeholders to co-produce system, orientation, and transformation knowledge in transdisciplinary groundwater assessments aimed at developing sustainable groundwater management strategies. This thesis aims to enhance the understanding of future changes in groundwater resources under uncertain climate change impacts and abstraction patterns and how these insights can inform decision-making in transdisciplinary groundwater assessments. In addition, the thesis aims to identify tools and approaches within transdisciplinary groundwater assessments that guide the development of sustainable management strategies against the background of increasingly complex and uncertain futures. Quantitative and qualitative methods were combined to achieve the research goals. Future changes of groundwater resources due to climate change and shifting abstraction patterns were identified by using numerical hydrological models, with a focus on considering uncertainties in assessing future groundwater resources. While modeling results provide a solid foundation for sustainable groundwater management strategies, addressing site-specific groundwater challenges requires additional approaches. To bridge this gap, transdisciplinary processes were developed, implemented, and evaluated in two European case studies: Mansfeld-Südharz (Germany) and Krk Island (Croatia). In a series of transdisciplinary workshops in each case study, scientists and stakeholders co-developed sustainable groundwater management strategies tailored to site-specific groundwater system challenges and stakeholder needs. Furthermore, comparative insights into transdisciplinary groundwater assessments, considering different boundary conditions and methods, were gained through participation in ongoing transdisciplinary processes in Siskiyou County, California, aiming to develop groundwater sustainability plans under a statewide regulatory framework. The thesis comprises three studies, each contributing to system, orientation, and transformation knowledge required for sustainability problem-solving. By integrating diverse modeling approaches into transdisciplinary groundwater research and emphasizing knowledge co-production, this thesis provides valuable insights into improving groundwater assessments towards their sustainable management. The findings highlight the need for a shift from disciplinary knowledge generation to collaborative knowledge co-production. To ensure the success of this approach, academic institutions and funding bodies must institutionalize long-term financial support for transdisciplinary research, providing the necessary time, resources, and flexibility for transdisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, recognizing models as facilitators of knowledge co-production between science and practice while integrating reflexive perspectives in groundwater research will be crucial for safeguarding groundwater’s essential role in supporting human and ecosystem health amid climate change and growing anthropogenic pressures.

Purpose – This paper examined the current status of municipal solid waste management across Nigeria. The core aspects covered are generation, characterization, collection, scavenging, open dumping, disposal and environmental implications of poor solid waste management. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the current state of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach – This study was executed by a combination of an extensive literature search and field study. Solid waste generation rates for 31 Nigerian cities were obtained from literature. In addition, characteristics of municipal solid waste from 26 Nigerian cities were also obtained from literature. Other aspects such as characterization of solid waste obtained from final dumpsite and heavy metals accumulation in solid waste dumpsites were undertaken first hand. Findings – Solid waste generation rate was found to vary from 0.13 kg/capita/day in Ogbomosho to 0.71 kg/capita/day in Ado-Ekiti. Factors affecting solid waste generation rates were identified. Typically, food waste was found to constitute close to 50 percent of overall municipal solid waste in Nigerian cities. This study shows that the rate of generation of plastics, water proof materials and diapers has assumed an upward trend. Due to the dysfunctional state of many municipal waste management authorities, many cities have been overrun by open dumps. For instance, more than 50 percent of residents of Maiduguri in northern Nigeria and Ughelli in southern Nigeria dispose of their waste in open dumps. Indiscriminate disposal of waste has also resulted in the preponderance of toxic heavy metals in agricultural soils and consequent bioaccumulation in plants as well as groundwater contamination. Research limitations/implications – The main limitation of this research is municipal waste management authorities do not have relevant data. Hence, there was heavy reliance on published materials. The status of waste management in Nigeria is very deplorable and therefore poses serious threats to public and environmental health. There is urgent need for both government and individuals to adopt holistic and sustainable waste management strategies in order to safeguard public/environmental health. Practical implications – Findings from this paper can form a veritable resource for the formulation and implementation of sustainable municipal solid waste management framework and strategies in Nigeria. Originality/value – While most studies on municipal solid waste management in Nigeria are focussed on selected cities of interest, this particular study cuts across most cities of Nigeria in order to present a broader and holistic view of municipal solid waste management in Nigeria. The paper has also unraveled core municipal solid waste management challenges facing Nigerian cities.

In “The Strategy of Sustainable Waste Management: Landfill Management, Recycling, Reduction, and Pollution Prevention,” the enduring problem of solid waste management is presented. As such, this case study deals with a real-life scenario when a recent graduate in the area of journalism and professional writing attempts to branch out and complement her professional interests. With a fresh MPA in hand, Suzanne Rodgers lands a paid internship with a mid-sized city and takes on the responsibility of researching, planning, and implementing a policy and set of recommendations, for the Public Works Department. She interviews the key political and economic actors in Winterville, provides a comprehensive description of the city, researches and analyses the incentives and barriers to change and then sets out to develop a plan for a comprehensive residential recycling effort that contains two options: solid waste management and balancing a landfill fund. This plan and implementation strategy is addressed in a research portfolio. In the final analysis she is faced with the real world issues of public interests and pressures and at a town hall meeting receives the responses from the citizens of Winterville. In this fast moving three-part case study, Suzanne Rodgers faces the real world of citizen input, conflict, and the role of special interests and pressure groups in making and implementing urban policy. The case concludes with measurements that were used in Iowa’s Pollution Prevention Intern Program and a summary of the tonnage of waste and pollution reduction and diversion associated with the program from 2001-2014. Cost savings associated with the intern program over the same period are identified and 2014 yearly savings is presented.

Electronic and electrical waste management in Sri Lanka: Suggestions for national policy enhancements

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

In Costa Rica, the lack of concrete solutions for electronic waste led a group of stakeholdersto request bilateral aid from the Dutch Sustainable Development Agreements programme toaddress this problem in a systematic way. Since 2002, this group of stakeholders has formed atechnical committee and engaged key national ministries, and the private sector, in a processto arrive at a sustainable, reliable, and responsible strategy for management of wastes,supported by a Dutch NGO, WASTE."National Strategy for an integrated and sustainable management of wastes from electronicand electric equipment in Costa Rica" is the result of six years of policy development andpractical experimentation. The management approach includes:1. Analysis of technical aspects for the waste collection, dismantling, storage, transportand treatment2. An institutional approach is based on a participatory planning and decision-makingprocess which has involved all stakeholders.3. Development and negotiation of the National Decree for a National System for theManagement of Special Wastes has been on the agenda of the project. Both thefailures and the successes in relation to the decree offer many lessons for othercountries and regional governments.4. The programme has invited the participation of citizens and businesses, in designingthe opportunities for the responsible disposal of electronic wastes from the socialperspective.5. The project has a point of departure based on extended producer responsibility (EPR)translated and adapted to the Costa Rican context, meaning that some or all of thewaste management costs must be included in the price of the product. To ourknowledge, this is the first example of an EPR approach to WEEE in a South country,supported by a development co-operation project.This paper is a practical work on a technical problem in which a different type of internationalcooperation was applied in order to find solutions for the problem presented.

This study aims to determine the best strategy for sustainable solid waste management in Central Java Province, Indonesia. A well-managed waste will deal with current and future waste problems. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to assess and structure the views of the key person. Super Decisions software is used for the purposes of the analysis. The assessment revealed that recycling is the best strategy for managing sustainable solid waste in Central Java Province with reference to economic aspects, environmental aspects, social aspects and technological aspects.

As governments worldwide attempt to develop sustainable waste management strategies, massive amounts of waste have been accumulating. However, developing an effective waste management strategy requires a thorough understanding of waste types and quantites. The existing efforts to identify waste flows in the built environment are unsuitable for countries with non-reliable statistics as they mostly use location-specific parameters such as data on construction, renovation, demolition activity, and generation rates from the literature. The types and quantities of materials embedded are rarely considered. This study aims to fill the identified gap by estimating the quantities of different material types embedded in Serbian residential building stock. It will do so by calculating the volume and weights of building elements and their materials using information from a detailed building stock typology. The results show that the amounts of materials embedded vary significantly from district to district, ranging from 10 in Toplička District to 96.9 million tons in Belgrade. The mineral materials are the highest contributors to the material embedded, implying that future waste management strategies should focus on them. Apart from the formulation of location-specific circular economy and waste management strategies, these results may be useful for planning energy efficiency retrofitting activities, deconstruction and reversible design strategies.

This paper delivers an overview of green waste management (recycling and reuse) strategies that can be integrated into a waste management program during emergency response events. Although each emergency response event is unique in location, size, scale, material released, and situational logistics, this paper is intended to provide individuals involved in preplanning and preparedness with ideas for incorporating green alternatives into effective waste management strategies. The "Green Alternatives" Program that was implemented as part of the waste management strategy during the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) response in the Gulf of Mexico is used as a case study. The DWH Green Alternatives Program was designed to minimize waste generation and to develop a comprehensive recycling, reuse, and recovery approach. A variety of potential waste materials were generated during the response, many of which can be recycled, reclaimed, or reused. Each potential material stream generated during an emergency response event needs to undergo a comprehensive permitting and regulatory review. In addition, each potential material stream must be evaluated by a field- or full- scale proof-of-concept pilot test to validate the proposed "green" process and determine whether it will be an effective part of the response and the overall waste management strategy. Because an emergency response event could occur anywhere, international and regional considerations—such as governing regulations, available infrastructure and transportation, local culture, and customs—must also be taken into account. As demonstrated by the DWH response, incorporating green alternatives into a response can make a positive contribution to the environment and local communities by preserving critical landfill space, creating new products, and generating energy.