The use of multi-criteria decision analysis to tackle waste management problems: a literature review
- 11 January 2013
- journal article
- review article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy
- Vol. 31 (2), 115-129
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242x12470203
Abstract
Problems in waste management have become more and more complex during recent decades. The increasing volumes of waste produced and social environmental consciousness present prominent drivers for environmental managers towards the achievement of a sustainable waste management scheme. However, in practice, there are many factors and influences – often mutually conflicting – criteria for finding solutions in real-life applications. This paper presents a review of the literature on multi-criteria decision aiding in waste management problems for all reported waste streams. Despite limitations, which are clearly stated, most of the work published in this field is reviewed. The present review aims to provide environmental managers and decision-makers with a thorough list of practical applications of the multi-criteria decision analysis techniques that are used to solve real-life waste management problems, as well as the criteria that are mostly employed in such applications according to the nature of the problem under study. Moreover, the paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of using multi-criteria decision analysis techniques in waste management problems in comparison to other available alternatives.Keywords
This publication has 100 references indexed in Scilit:
- Multi-criteria GIS-based siting of an incineration plant for municipal solid wasteWaste Management, 2011
- Optimising reverse logistics network to support policy-making in the case of Electrical and Electronic EquipmentWaste Management, 2010
- Integrated assessment of a new Waste-to-Energy facility in Central Greece in the context of regional perspectivesWaste Management, 2010
- A multi-criteria assessment of scenarios on thermal processing of infectious hospital wastes: A case study for Central MacedoniaWaste Management, 2010
- Combining stakeholder analysis and spatial multicriteria evaluation to select and rank inert landfill sitesWaste Management, 2009
- A methodological framework for end-of-life management of electronic productsResources, Conservation and Recycling, 2009
- An analytic network process model for municipal solid waste disposal optionsWaste Management, 2007
- Analyzing policy impact potential for municipal solid waste management decision-making: A case study of TaiwanResources, Conservation and Recycling, 2007
- Analysing demand for environmental quality: A willingness to pay/accept study in the province of Siena (Italy)Waste Management, 2006
- Generation and management of construction and demolition waste in Greece—an existing challengeResources, Conservation and Recycling, 2003