Modeling of Solid Waste Management Systems

Abstract

Present solid waste management system in Dhaka city is reviewed, and the constraints and shortfalls are discussed. Solid wastes are categorized as recyclable and nonrecyclable. A limited portion of the organic solid wastes is composted and the major share is open dumped. Recently, a scientifically engineered landfill has been constructed by Dhaka City Corporation. Recent efforts on modeling of solid waste management systems are critically reviewed and a system dynamics model of solid waste management is presented to simulate population, solid waste generation and composite index, electricity generation from the incineration of solid waste, engineer landfill and fertilizers from composting. Environmental performance for open dumping, scientific landfills, incineration and composting of solid wastes using life cycle assessment model is also evaluated. Simulated results show that solid waste generation, collection capacity and electricity generation potential from the incineration of the solid waste increase with time. Population, uncleared waste, untreated waste and composite index are projected to increase with time for Dhaka city. Simulated results also show that increasing the budget for collection capacity alone does not improve environmental quality. This model can be used as a computer laboratory for solid waste management policy analysis.