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A Multi-Criteria AHP-Based Framework for Sustainable Municipal Waste Collection

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  • Mattia Cottes

    (Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy)

  • Patrizia Simeoni

    (Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100 Udine, Italy)

Abstract

The management of waste has become increasingly complex due to the growing volume and diversity of waste generated by modern societies. Effective collection systems are essential for mitigating environmental impacts and promoting sustainability. However, the increasing complexity of waste management requires a comprehensive approach that considers multiple criteria in order to evaluate the performance of these systems. This study evaluates the environmental performance of waste collection systems by comparing various methods using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The research involves identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) that could be relevant for all the stakeholders involved and important for environmental sustainability. These KPIs are then used as criteria for the AHP model, allowing for a detailed comparison of each collection method. Data is collected from a case study in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy. The preliminary results indicate significant variations in environmental performance and user fruitfulness across different collection methods. Door-to-door collection was found to be the preferred methodology with an absolute weight of 0.527. The AHP framework proves to be a robust tool for integrating diverse criteria and stakeholder preferences, facilitating informed decision-making in waste management. Moreover, it underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to evaluate and improve recycling systems. By leveraging AHP, policymakers and waste management professionals can identify optimal strategies that align with environmental sustainability goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Mattia Cottes & Patrizia Simeoni, 2025. "A Multi-Criteria AHP-Based Framework for Sustainable Municipal Waste Collection," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:21:p:9430-:d:1778202
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Alba Bala & Marco Raugei & Carlos Afonso Teixeira & Alberto Fernández & Francisco Pan-Montojo & Pere Fullana-i-Palmer, 2021. "Assessing the Environmental Performance of Municipal Solid Waste Collection: A New Predictive LCA Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, May.
    2. Konstantinos Tsimnadis & Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos & Garyfallos Arabatzis & Stefanos Leontopoulos & Efthimios Zervas, 2023. "An Innovative and Alternative Waste Collection Recycling Program Based on Source Separation of Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) and Operating with Mobile Green Points (MGPs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-18, February.
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