Network Optimization of Solid Wastes Management in Chennai, India: case study

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to present the current status of solid wastes flow in Chennai and optimize the cost of handling solid wastes. The city limits was extended form 175 km 2 to 426 km 2 in 2011, leading to sub optimum levels in solid waste management of 4840 tons per day. There is also pressure on city managers to reduce the cost of transport of solid wastes, due to shrinking budgetary allocations. In the changed scenario, there is need to examine the need for the current 12 transfer stations (TS) and also routing of solid waste transport vehicles. The existing TSs was set up historically without taking into account optimality. A linear programming model was developed to arrive at eight optimal transfer stations. The implementation of the proposal will bring in an annual saving of US$ 3.52 Million, about 33.1 percent of the analyzed transport, space and handling cost.