Optimal planning of selective waste collection

Abstract

The paper presents an optimisation method for selective waste collection services in university campuses in Bucharest. Based on geographic information system (GIS) procedures and algorithms, an optimisation method for selective waste collection services is developed. The area of Bucharest City, the road network, the location of the selective waste collection points in the main university campuses and the location of the collection station are organized in GIS format. Complex geodatabase structures that allow solving the large scale selective waste collection problem are designed. The routing solution that minimises the total travel time is determined taking into consideration the local road network properties and the location of the collection station for each category of waste (glass, paper and plastic). The methodology is applied for the main University Campuses in Bucharest. The map with the routing solution, the required number of vehicles and the schedule for each category of waste and for each vehicle are obtained. The developed method provides informational and technological support for public authorities and selective waste collection operators.