Underground Logistics Network Design for Large-Scale Municipal Solid Waste Collection: A Case Study of Nanjing, China

Qing Liu, Yicun Chen (), Wanjie Hu (), Jianjun Dong, Bo Sun and Helan Cheng
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Qing Liu: Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Yicun Chen: Institute of Defense Engineering, Academy of Military Sciences PLA, Beijing 100850, China
Wanjie Hu: Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Transportation Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Jianjun Dong: School of Science, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
Bo Sun: School of Defense Engineering, Army Engineering University of PLA, Nanjing 210007, China
Helan Cheng: The First Geological Brigade, Jiangsu Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Nanjing 210041, China

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 23, 1-28

Abstract: The challenges arising from the management of municipal solid waste (MSW) have a profound impact on the sustainable development of urban areas. As a sustainable solution, the transportation of MSW underground offers the potential to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce environmental pollution. In this study, we propose the implementation of a large-scale underground waste collection system (UWCS). To begin, a comprehensive operational process for the UWCS is designed based on an intelligent technology system, including facility operation, processing workflow, and technical parameters. Additionally, network planning methods for the UWCS are presented. A mixed-integer linear programming model is formulated with the objective of minimizing total cost. This model determines the optimal location and allocation of nodes within the network, as well as the pipeline layout and flow direction. Given the computational complexity, a hybrid optimization method, namely the genetic greedy algorithms and genetic variable neighborhood search algorithms (GGA-GVNS), is devised to obtain high-quality solutions for the model. Finally, to validate the efficacy of the proposed method, a simulation is conducted in the central city of Nanjing, China. The results demonstrate that the implementation of the UWCS network in Nanjing’s city center can yield an annual benefit of USD 5.99 million. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis reveals further MSW management-related insights and long-term planning strategies.

Keywords: municipal solid waste; underground waste collection; transportation network design; mixed-integer programming; reverse logistics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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