Rerouting municipal waste collection in Malta : an examination of waste collection routes with proposed new systems using GIS methodology

Abstract

Kerbside collection of waste is not often included as part of carbon footprint analysis in view that it constitutes about five percent of the carbon emissions generated by the waste collection and treatment system. However, it also represents the most expensive functional element in the entire waste management process, reaching as high as 75 percent of all costs in the total municipal solid waste (MSW) management system. Most costs relate to fuel, together with labour costs. Fuel consumption results in various pollutants, predominantly carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which are of major concern due to their contribution to global warming and acid rain. In Malta, transport emissions reach 14 percent of total emissions which is significantly higher than the European average which generally reaches 5 percent Currently there is no fixed collection route for waste collection. Routes are left to the drivers who devise a route simply on their experience. Therefore, room for improvement is clearly present and it is necessary to find an optimal solution to reduce fuel consumption and minimize emissions. This research uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the ArcGIS Network Analyst application to optimize routes by enhancing the efficiency of waste collection and transportation in the cities of Mellieħa and Attard, Malta. The model that is created is based on data collection involving the Global Positioning System tracking including bin position, (landfill) and collection route as variables. Key performance indicators of the existing practice are estimated. Following this, potential optimal scenarios were developed and compared to the existing collection routes. Results indicate that the proposed scenarios have direct positive impacts on vehicle operating times with operational cost savings and reduced carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and particle emissions.