Fleet size optimization in the discarded tire collection process

Abstract

Due to rapid growth in urban populations, waste collection in cities has become a topic of great concern, due to it impacts on environmental pollution. Regarding used tires, the effect on human health and the environment is a matter of great concern for urban authorities. Therefore, in this paper, we analyze the recovery process for discarded tires. In particular, we study a Reverse Supply Chain Network Design (RSCND), which is designed according to three fundamental echelons (i.e. waste collection, processing and customer zones). To this end, the simultaneous application of simulation techniques and optimization algorithms is proposed. Both approaches are framed within a general methodology, which has been taken from the Operations Research literature. We present a case study from a Colombian city. The combined algorithmic approaches, which include discrete simulation and multiobjective optimization, provide sufficient evidence regarding ways to optimally manage fleet size in the RSCND. Experimental results indicate that the discarded tire recovery process can be designed to be more profitable, as well as less environmentally harmful.