Identifying and prioritizing the factors influencing industrial waste management using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP)

Abstract

Over the past few decades, human societies have faced one of the most significant consequences of industrial development. That is the improper transportation and disposal of hazardous and industrial-specific waste, which accounts for a large share of the total pollution of the environment, and its destructive effects on creating environmental crises are quite evident. The plating industry is one of the main consumers of toxic chemicals used for different applications. However, because of the lack of a comprehensive model, hazardous waste management has not yet met the current needs, and its principles still require more development. This study was carried out using tools and standards including Multi-Criteria Decision Support Systems (MCDSS) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to rank the contributions of effective components to the plating industry in a case study conducted and implemented in Paitakht Industrial District of Tehran. In order to realize this objective, after extracting 10 components effective in optimizing the management of industrial wastes, questionnaires were used to survey experts to verify the components. The factors were identified using the Delphi method through the analysis of frequency carried out using a second questionnaire based on the results of the analysis of the data extracted from the first questionnaire. The results showed that components contributing to the optimal management of industrial waste included leadership and management, policy, strategy, technology and mode of collection and transportation, economic factors, policy making, expertise, culture, education, and the amount and composition of waste, in that order.