Optimal landfill site selection using ArcGIS Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for Kinshasa City

Rapid urbanization and population growth present pressing challenges for effective solid waste management in burgeoning cities. This study addresses the critical issue of landfill site selection in Kinshasa City, employing a systematic and objective approach through the integration of ArcGIS Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The research utilizes diverse spatial datasets, encompassing factors such as proximity to residential areas, accessibility, land use, environmental constraints, and proximity to water bodies, to generate suitability maps. The findings reveal that there are large areas within Kinshasa City that exhibit high suitability for landfill establishment, and that the existing landfill in Kinshasa City is situated within areas deemed unsuitable based on the selected criteria in this study, underscoring the urgency of deeper analysis for future landfill siting, prioritizing the minimization of environmental impact, health risks for nearby communities, and ensurance of a long-term sustainability of waste management practices in Kinshasa City. These findings not only offer practical solutions but also open avenues for future research and refinement in urban waste management strategies. The innovative combination of GIS technology, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making, and the identification of unsuitable existing landfill locations positions this study at the forefront of waste management research in Kinshasa city, with potential applicability in rapidly growing urban areas worldwide.