Particle swarm optimization modeling for solid waste collection problem with constraints

Solid waste management is a prime concern in any country. Among all the steps of its management, collecting it efficiently is the biggest challenge. Waste collection can be treated as a Vehicle routing problem (VRP) as it involves waste collection vehicles to collect waste from different waste bins. This paper deals with the solid waste collection efficiency improvement by solving optimized route using Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Vehicle routing problem (VRP) for solid waste collection using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a new concept. Route optimization is modeled considering different scenarios and constraints such as time window, vehicles maximum capacity, percentage of waste level, etc. to find the most efficient route to collect the solid waste. Waste level of the bin can be found using smart bin technology of ZigBee and GSM/GPRS. This study shows overall improved, optimized route. It shows a very impressive result while only bins filled with threshold amount of waste are considered. Algorithm application for finding the optimized route for improving collection efficiencies are the main objective of this study.