Computerized optimization and planning in solid waste management

At present, projected rates indicate the solid waste generated in the United States will approach more than 300,000,000 tons/year before the end of this decade. Through consideration of this information and as a result of increasing concern on the part of ecologically minded individuals, there has been a conserted effort to develop computerized systems to obtain an efficient economic solution for the handling and distribution of this refuse. It might prove of benefit, at this point, to define the terms “solid waste” and “solid waste system” themselves. Waste is defined as anything that anybody throws away. Solid waste is any waste in solid or semi-solid form.[1] A solid waste system may be defined as that collection of men, equipment, and facilities whose purpose is to collect, transport, and dispose of the solid waste generated. The total system is itself made up of three smaller systems or subsystems. These subsystems include the collection system, whereby the solid waste is removed directly from the generating points; the disposal system by which the solid waste collected will be recycled or disposed; and finally, the transport system which serves to move the solid waste from collection points to the various disposal facilities throughout the system. This paper is concerned with the application of computer, technology to the planning, management, and optimization of the transport and disposal subsystems.