Scatter Search Algorithm for a Waste Collection Problem in an Argentine Case Study

This paper presents a new approach based on the Scatter Search (SS) algorithm applied to the Location Management problem using the Location Area (LA) scheme. The LA scheme is used to achieve the best configuration of the network partitioning, into groups of cells (location areas), that minimizes the costs involved. In this work we execute five distinct experiments with the aim of setting the best values for the Scatter Search parameters, using test networks generated with realistic data [1]. We also want to compare the results obtained by this new approach with those achieved through classical strategies, other algorithms from our previous work and also by other authors. The simulation results show that this SS based approach is very encouraging.

Optimization problems are very complex to be solved, as they can present multiple optimal solutions and, in certain cases, only a globally optimal solution. The mathematical formulation of these problems is composed of continuous and discrete variables with linear and nonlinear functions. The solution of these problems by mathematical modeling through solvers may not converge to a feasible solution or may demand much computational time, when many variables are considered. Thus, using metaheuristics to solve these problems is desirable according to the literature. The scatter search (SS) metaheuristic algorithm has been highlighted in the literature as an excellent combinatorial optimization algorithm for dealing with quality and diversity solutions. This work aims to present two methods using the SS algorithm to solve problems with continuous and discrete variables. Therefore, the SS algorithm is implemented to solve the traveling salesperson problem (TSP), which is a problem that contains only discrete variables, and also, another version of SS is implemented to solve the optimal power flow (OPF) problem, which has continuous and discrete variables. Two instances of the TSP and three instances of the OPF problem were used. The results show that the SS solves both problems efficiently and presents better results in some cases than the solutions of the same problems using classical mathematical models through solvers. It is concluded that implementing the SS algorithm does not require much effort and that good results can be achieved for solving optimization problems with variables of any nature.

The proximity principle - disposing of waste close to its origin - has been a central value in municipal solid waste (MSW) management in Japan for the last 30 years and its widespread adoption has helped resolve numerous "Not in My Backyard" issues related to MSW management. However, MSW management costs have soared, in large part because of aggressive recycling efforts and because most MSW is incinerated in a country that has scarce landfill capacity. In addition, smaller, less sophisticated incinerators have been closed because of high dioxin emissions. Rising costs combined with the closure of smaller incinerators have shifted MSW management policy toward regionalization, which is the sharing of waste management facilities across municipalities. Despite the increased use of regionalized MSW facilities, the proximity principle remains the central value in Japanese MSW management. Municipal solid waste management has become increasingly regionalized in the United States, too, but different driving forces are at work in these two countries. The transition to regionalized MSW management in Japan results from strong governmental control at all levels, with the central government providing funds and policy direction and prefectures and municipalities being the primary implementing authorities. By contrast, market forces are a much stronger force with US MSW management, where local governments - with state government oversight - have primary responsibility for MSW management. We describe recent changes in Japan's MSW programs. We examine the connections between MSW facility regionalization, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, the proximity principle, coordination among local governments, central government control, and financing mechanisms.

This paper studies a kind of hybrid flow shop problem with transportation delays (HFSTD) between consecutive production stages. A scatter search (SS) algorithm is proposed to solve the scheduling problem. A two-point order combination operator is designed for the SS. The authors randomly generate 12 instances to test the performance of the proposed algorithm. Experimental results show that the SS algorithm is efficient and effective for solving the HFSTD scheduling problem.

PurposeWith rapid industrialization and urbanization, municipal solid waste (MSW) management has become a serious challenge worldwide, especially in developing countries. The Beijing Municipality is a representative example of many local governments in China that are facing MSW management issues. Although there have been studies in the area of MSW management in the literature, less attention has been devoted to developing a structured framework that identifies and interprets the barriers to MSW management in megacities, especially in Beijing. Therefore, this study focuses on identifying a comprehensive list of barriers affecting the successful implementation of MSW management in Beijing.Design/methodology/approachThrough an extensive review of related literature, 12 barriers are identified and classified into five categories: government, waste, knowledge dissemination, MSW management process and market. Using an integrated approach including the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), maximum mean de-entropy algorithm (MMDE) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM), a conceptual structural model of MSW implementation barriers is constructed to provide insights for industrial decision-makers and policymakers.FindingsThe results show that a lack of economic support from the government, imperfect MSW-related laws and regulations, the low education of residents and the lack of publicity of waste recycling knowledge are the main barriers to MSW management in Beijing. Combined with expert opinions, the paper provides suggestions and guidance to municipal authorities and industry practitioners to guide the successful implementation of MSW management.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can provide a reference for MSW management in other metropolises in China and other developing countries.Originality/valueThis study proposes a hybrid DEMATEL-MMDE-ISM approach to resolve the subjectivity issues of the traditional ISM approach and it analyzes the barriers that hinder MSW management practices in Beijing.

Multistage hybrid flow shop scheduling problems are considered in this paper. Each stage consists of several identical machines. The jobs are to be processed on any one of the machines at each stage. In most of the scheduling research works it is assumed that all jobs are to be processed at all stages. But in real-life industries some of the jobs may not be processed at some stages. Hence hybrid flow shop scheduling problems with missing operations are considered in this paper with the objective of determining a schedule that minimises makespan. The hybrid flow shop scheduling problems are non-deterministic polynomial time hard (NP-hard) problems. We propose a hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm, namely improved hybrid genetic scatter search (IHGSS) algorithm, based on genetic algorithm and scatter search algorithms. A case study problem of a leading steel furniture manufacturing company in India is presented to illustrate the proposed algorithm. Computational experiments show that the proposed IHGSS algorithm outperforms other heuristic and meta-heuristic algorithms.

The municipal solid waste management reform plays a significant role in improvement of the country's ecology and contributes greatly to the country's economics by recycling waste and recovering recycled resources. The most important condition of the implementation of the reform is separated collection of the waste and the opportunity to recycle all the suitable waste. The author presents a list of basic legal acts which regulate the municipal solid waste management process and points out provisions related to the requirements and conditions for separate collection of waste. The study conducted proves that it is advisable for the population of the country to fulfil the conditions for the separate collection of municipal solid waste. The relevance of the study is backed by the data on the existing landfill areas in Russia and Moscow, their annual growth rate, and unfavorable situation regarding the collection of municipal solid waste in the regions of Russia. This includes large volumes of solid household waste produced and an extremely insignificant share of recyclable solid municipal waste in it in relation to its total volumes. The author gives recommendations on how to improve the municipal solid waste management which will make it possible to recycle the suitable waste, bring it back into the country's economy and, thus, move towards the circular economy.

Learning outcomes The case helps to introduce some of the elements of strategic management process, which are vital for competitive advantage, particularly for the public utility services such as MSWM. It intends to achieve the following objectives: analyse the external environment for MSWM industry in India; analyse the internal organizational environment for a firm’s strategic competitiveness; introduce the concept of value and value chain understand the role of Stakeholder groups; understand the concept of public–private partnerships (PPP); and understand the role of technology in sustaining a competitive advantages. Case overview/synopsis This case focuses on entrepreneurial venture of Gaurav Sharma and his team who intend to transform the landscape of Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) industry in the country. THANKYOU (letsthankyou.com) is a Jaipur, India-based enterprise offering waste management solutions across different verticals. It was founded in 2016, following an opportunity in the waste management industry unleashed by the Government of India’s (GOI) new MSWM 2016 rules making it mandatory for the waste generators to manage (segregate, process, transport and disposal) their own waste. After initial examination of MSWM service scenario in the country, Gaurav and his two team members realize that a lack of integration among the multiple entities of waste management value chain is the root cause of the current poor state of affairs. So, they come up with an online marketplace, which offers a one-stop solution for the waste management of general households, residential settings and corporate. With initial projects implemented in the decentralized mode offering unit-level services such as door-to-door waste collection, on-demand waste pick-up and waste audits for corporate, the company has eventually got an opportunity of working on a centralized MSWM project for a leading hotel. Indeed, the company has the first mover advantage of entering the government controlled MSWM industry. However, to move forward, the THANKYOU team must address some fundamental issues in the industry: How to integrate the informal and formal sectors involved in waste management to achieve economies of scale? How to make land-filling the least preferred option of waste management? How to use technology to enhance the efficiency of MSWM value chain? Complexity academic level The case can add value to a course on strategic management at the post-graduate level. It highlights the role of external and internal environment analyses in the formulation of business strategy, ultimately leading to a firm’s strategic competitiveness. In a strategic management course, the case can be used to discuss introductory topics such as the analysis of internal and external environment; value creation by leveraging internal resources and capabilities; analysis of a firm’s dependence on its stakeholder groups; ascertainment of the profitability driver for a firm’s business model; and the concept of PPP. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management and recycling has become an emerging issue in developing countries. Shanghai, the largest megacity in China, is well-known nationwide due to leading China's MSW separation and recycling. Therefore, this paper introduces the Shanghai mode for MSW management and its current situation to enrich existing MSW management studies. Results show that the total generation volume of MSW and amount of MSW generation per capita were 9.00 million tons and 372.16 kg in 2017, increased approximately eight-fold and four-fold compared with the data in 1978, respectively. The MSW treatment rate reached 100% since 2014, with incineration rate increased to 48.56% in 2017. The cost of MSW management after implementing MSW sorting regulation is increased to 985 CNY/ton, including 390 CNY/ton of MSW sorting cost. Then three key features and innovative MSW management modes, namely, mandatory MSW sorting legislation, Green Account program, and the Combined Network program are introduced. Meanwhile, two main challenges are urgent to be responded, including inadequate collecting vehicles and limited wet waste treatment capacity. Finally, policy recommendations on strengthening MSW recycling process, constructing complete terminal treatment industry, and making systematic policies were provided to respond existing challenges.

Capacitated arc routing problem (CARP) is the youngest generation of graph theory that focuses on solving the edge/arc routing for optimality. Since many years, operational research devoted to CARP counterpart, known as vehicle routing problem (VRP), which does not fit to several real cases such like waste collection problem and road maintenance. In this paper, we highlighted several extensions of capacitated arc routing problem (CARP) that represents the real-life problem of vehicle operation in waste collection. By purpose, CARP is designed to find a set of routes for vehicles that satisfies all pre-setting constraints in such that all vehicles must start and end at a depot, service a set of demands on edges (or arcs) exactly once without exceeding the capacity, thus the total fleet cost is minimized. We also addressed the differentiation between CARP and VRP in waste collection. Several issues have been discussed including stochastic demands and time window problems in order to show the complexity and importance of CARP in the related industry. A mathematical model of CARP and its new version is presented by considering several factors such like delivery cost, lateness penalty and delivery time.

A scatter search algorithm for stacking sequence optimisation of laminate composites

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the current status and to identify the problems of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in China to determine appropriate remedial strategies. This is the second of two papers proposed on this topic. Major problems or difficulties identified in MSW management in China include MSW land, air, and water pollution, commingled collection, poor administration, shortage of funds, lack of facilities, and problems of training and public awareness. In order to solve these problems and to improve MSW management in China, remedial strategies in three areas are recommended: institutional reform, technology development, and legislation and administrative improvement. The primary principle involved in institutional reform is unifying legislative responsibilities into one body and developing a market mechanism for handling MSW. Composting, landfills, and incineration should be equally developed in accordance with China's needs. The feasibility of developing technology to handle MSW in China is discussed. Also recommended is the establishment of sound regulatory systems, including a service fee system, a source separation system, and a training program. China is presently undergoing economic and institutional reform at the national and local levels. Results of this study will provide useful information on MSW management in China.

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the current status and identify the problems of municipal solid waste (MSW) management in China in order to determine appropriate remedial strategies. This is the first of two papers, discussing primarily the general characteristics of MSW and its management in China. The second paper focuses on specific remedial strategies. MSW generation in China has increased rapidly in the past 20 years from 31.3 million tons in 1980 to 113.0 million tons in 1998. The annual rate of increase is 3–10%. The average generation per capita is 1.0 kg/day (0.38 t/year). Nearly one-half of the waste generated is dumped in the suburbs, where the accumulated quantity has reached 6 billion tons, which has caused heavy environmental pollution. This paper provides information on MSW management in China, such as MSW generation and its physical, chemical, and biological properties. Low calorific value and high moisture content characterize China's municipal waste. Other issues related to MSW management in China are also discussed, including the factors that influence MSW generation quantity and quality, MSW collection, transfer and transport, treatment and disposal, material recovery, legislation, enforcement, and administration.

Collection of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is important in every waste management program. Communal container collection systems appear most prevalent in many developing countries. However, this collection system is associated with problems such as overflow of waste containers, ground dumping at collection sites, and open/indiscriminate dumping at unauthorized places. The spatial distribution of these activities present potential contamination challenges to water resources. Spatial information on Municipal Solid Waste Collection/Dump Sites (MSWCS) is essential for Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) decision-making, including siting and collection route planning, and dumps cleanup. Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) present a platform to capture, map, and analyze spatial MSWM issues. This study applied GIS and GPS technologies to map MSWCS in Wa town, Ghana. Wa Municipality waste collection system efficiency was analyzed based on spatial availability of communal containers. A GIS model was developed and used to analyze proximity of MSWCS to boreholes drinking water sources. A pollution risk map was also developed to analyze the potential impact of indiscriminate dumps on hand-dug wells and surface water in Wa. The results reveal poor management in a significant number (about 67%) of MSWCS sites. Fifteen percent of mechanized boreholes failed the minimum proximity requirement (≥100 m) of the model. This study findings illustrate that MSWM in developing countries may be improved using GIS and GPS technologies. The approach used for Wa could be replicated in other towns in Ghana and other developing nations with similar MSWM problems to enhance policy and management decision-making.

Chapter 10 - Pollutants control strategies for modern waste incinerators: Status quo in China in the context of municipal solid waste classification