System dynamics model for the municipal solid waste management system in the metropolitan area of Medellín, Colombia

Abstract

This paper analyses the management of municipal solid waste in the metropolitan area of Medellin (Colombia). The composition and production of solid waste, the collection system, the informal and formal sectors in the region, the different flows of materials and its final disposal, are some topics that have been considered. A basic model for the SWM system in the city has been developed based on the system dynamics methodology. With the help of the Vensim PLE software, it has been possible to simulate different scenarios, such as the implementation of the formalisation process of the informal waste pickers that are present in the city. The generation of waste for the residential sector in Aburra Valley is 49,115.2 ton/month, and only 12.5% of the solid waste produced is reintroduced into the production cycle. Part of this work is done by approximately 4,474 waste pickers, but only 10.63% of them are part of pre-cooperatives or cooperatives. The outcomes of the model for the geographical area allow to conclude that the inclusion of the informal sector in the municipal solid waste management system would imply huge benefits related to the social, economic and environmental aspects of the system.