Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Disposal Method Selection for an Industrial State; Case Study Charmshahr

Abstract

Industrial states generate significant amounts of wastes. Industrial states’ managers are worried about how to select a proper disposal method for their solid waste management. Gathering over 200 different factories in Charmshahr state is leading to produce over 77 tons waste per day. In this study, Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process is used to choose the best disposal method for an industrial state named Charmshahr with regard to the existence uncertainty and lack of knowledge. This state contains more than 200 factories most of which are leather and tannery industries. Four alternatives, namely landfilling, recycling, Refuse Derived Fuel combustion and conventional incineration are considered as the disposal methods. Also the linguistic comparisons which are compatible with fuzzy sets are used for more real and accurate decision making. The pair-wise comparisons are made based on individual experts’ judgments on eight criteria namely costs, technical reliability, feasibility, waste consistency, environmental impacts, social viewpoints, available knowledge and maintenance. Environmental impacts have the most effects on the estimated weights, whereas social issues have the least. Finally, with regard to the results, especially economical issues, feasibility and water and soil pollutions, landfilling is found as the most proper disposal method for Charmshahr industrial state.