Abstract
In preparation for establishing a practical municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal plan, we constructed a MSW treatment model based on life cycle assessment, and factored in quantitative public preferences.
The study area was Ishikawa Prefecture. The objective functions of the MSW optimization model were minimal cost for government and municipalities, and maximal utility function for residents. The result for cost minimization showed a wide-area treatment system using stoker furnaces was least expensive. The result for maximal utility function favored a separating disposal treatment system (composting garbage) that emits less carbon dioxide. However, in consideration of the fact that it is difficult to use compost made from MSW due to reasons of quality preservation and keeping up with demand, we conducted an additional analysis excluding the separating disposal treatment system. The result for maximum utility when the separating disposal treatment system was excluded suggested a wide-area treatment system using stoker furnaces was favored. In addition, we proposed a feasibility plan based on the current waste treatment system. The results show the proposed MSW management system could reduce total costs and carbon dioxide emissions by 26% and 13%, respectively.
