A solid waste management model with fuzzy random parameters

Abstract

A novel solid waste management model with fuzzy random parameters (SWMMFRP) was proposed. The model improves the traditional stochastic mathematical programming (SMP) and fuzzy mathematical programming (FMP) methods through tackling dual uncertain parameters in the right-hand side of model constraints. The dual uncertainty is associated with both fuzzy imprecision and randomness. Based on stochastic and fuzzy chance-constrained programming (FCCP) techniques, SWMMFRP was capable of offering more-optimal solution scenarios under multiple uncertainties through incorporating various confidence information into a model framework, and evaluating tradeoffs between system economy and reliability. A long-term municipal waste management case was used to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The results indicated that the model could help generate a spectrum of waste management patterns under different constraint-satisfaction and violation levels and provide support for decision makers to identify desired waste-management strategies. The study case also demonstrated that SWMMFRP is suitable in handling a municipal waste management system that allows somewhat compromise of environmental quality for achieving high economic benefits.

Keywords:

• fuzzy random parameter
• stochastic chance-constrained programming
• fuzzy chance-constrained programming
• solid waste management
• uncertainty