M-GRCT: A Dynamic Circular Economy Model for the Optimal Design of Waste Management Systems in Low-Income Municipalities

Camilo-A. Vargas-Terranova, Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri, María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero and Miguel-A. Rozo-Arango
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Camilo-A. Vargas-Terranova: Programa de Ingeniería Ambiental y Sanitaria, Universidad de La Salle, Carrera 2 # 10-70, Piso 6-Bloque A, Bogotá 111711, Colombia
Javier Rodrigo-Ilarri: Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
María-Elena Rodrigo-Clavero: Instituto de Ingeniería del Agua y Medio Ambiente (IIAMA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
Miguel-A. Rozo-Arango: Quipus Consultores SAS, Carrera 8 # 16-36, Cota 250010, Colombia

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 5, 1-25

Abstract: This article introduces M-GRCT, a circular economy decision support model for the design of recyclable waste management systems in low-income municipalities. The model allows for performing calculations on a set of two scenarios integrating a sociocultural dynamics assessment, this being a characteristic feature of this type of municipalities. The model also integrates the analysis of the remaining variables usually addressed in solid waste management schemes while considering topics such as reduction of the carbon footprint due to activities such as the transport of recyclable waste, the generation of leachates, the generation of greenhouse gases and the promotion of an increase in the number of associated recyclers and selective routes. The economic evaluation of the different implementation scenarios is supported by a dynamic tool called DATA4 (a macro-type array accompanied by two control panels programmed in Visual Basic and dashboards by Power BI). M-GRCT constitutes a tool for the promotion of good environmental practices and the identification of strategies for the promotion of local development mechanisms. Results provided by the model contrast with those obtained by traditional linear economy approaches. An illustrative example of the application of the M-GRCT model is shown. The model was used to simulate the municipal solid waste managing system of the municipality of Guateque (Colombia). The results show the importance of integrating both economic and environmental costs to optimally allocate governmental and private resources when the recycling rate is expected to increase in the next 10 years.

Keywords: circular economy; solid waste management; recycling; environmental management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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