Improving the Efficiency of Waste Collection System in Izmir

Izmir Metropolitan Municipality

Students: Cenk Bartu Özpınar, Duha Eren Yıldırım, Efe Erdem

Industrial Advisor

Academic Advisor: Prof. Dr. Muhittin Hakan Demir

Abstract

This project focuses on the focus on the waste collection system of Izmir. The current system is based on collection of waste with trucks, transfer stations, processing facilities, and storage facilities. Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is in charge of the design and operation of the system.Complaints from the citizens regarding the noise, smell, and traffic congestion caused by collection trucks, resistance from local communities against facilities near their residences, issues with cost and time management of the waste collection system need to be resolved. The number and locations of bins on streets, allocation of bins to trucks, number, capacities, and locations of transfer stations, allocation of trucks to transfer stations and decisions about processing facilities are among the key decisions in different levels of the waste collection system. In an attempt to provide suggestions for improving the waste collection system and processes, we implemented process analysis and clustering analysis based on minimum cost, minimum distance, and minimum number of trucks.

The results demonstrate that having 4 transfer stations for the central districts of İzmir is the most acceptable solution. Decision makers can evaluate different alternatives based on the clustering results. We also provide suggestions concerning separation at the source, collection of packaging waste separately, importance of training and communication for raising awareness of citizens and reducing resistance. Moreover, we demonstrate that the amount of waste is increasing every year, increasing the demand for waste collection. Studies, projects, trainings to reduce this demand will be beneficial.