Developing circular waste management strategies based on a waste eco-park concept: a multiobjective optimization with environmental, economic, and social trade-offs.

Abstract

Adopting a waste eco-park (WEP) for circular economy principles in municipal solid waste (MSW) management gains recognition as a sustainable alternative to the linear model. This research develops a multiobjective optimization model for optimal MSW configurations based on a WEP setting by integrating economic, environmental, and social considerations. A Malaysian case study illustrates the model’s application. Solution 11 (26% composting, 37% anaerobic digestion, 17% incineration, and 21% material recovery facility) achieves the highest satisfaction with the highest economic feasibility (2.24 Pt/t) and social acceptance (0.1869 Pt/t). Sensitivity analysis reveals treatment configuration stability with anaerobic digestion, but changes occur with a 10% increase in the electricity generation from incineration and sanitary landfills. Scenario analysis highlights the importance of optimization, demonstrating that optimal solutions offer the most sustainable outcomes over waste-to-energy-centric scenarios. The developed model could be adapted for global applications, guiding decision-makers in establishing a WEP that balances economics, environment, and society.