Facility Selection and Haul Optimization Model

A dynamic optimization model is presented, which enables the selection of the combination of processing or disposal facilities, or both, from among a number of alternative facilities, that would minimize the overall cost of haul, processing or disposal, or both, in solid waste management operations over an extended period of time. The major input requirements for this model are as follows: (1) data on existing and projected population levels and densities or levels of waste production for the selected service areas; (2) empirical relationships yielding the operating cost; variable and fixed capital cost requirements of the candidate processing and disposal methods as a continuous function of the daily, monthly, or annual loading of these facilities; (3) information on distance and time of travel between any two points in the study area; and (4) operating and capital cost data on solid waste transport operation.