Optimal Regional Scheduling of Solid Waste Systems. II: Model Solutions

In this paper, solutions of a regional-scheduling model are presented to demonstrate the ability of the model to optimally schedule processing, conversion, and landfilling options to realize the lowest possible long-term costs for a regional integrated solid waste management system. The model is driven by the capacity and tipping fees for each existing or proposed landfill along with the capacity, costs, and revenues of implementing each processing or conversion option. Model results indicate that the implementation of processing and conversion options can reduce long-term costs by increasing the life of less expensive landfills, thus pushing the opening of more expensive landfills further into the future. Model solutions are used to show the effect of landfill capacities and tipping fees on scheduling. Figures are presented to illustrate interactions between model parameters, optimal costs, and scheduling.