An Application of Multi-Criteria Evaluation in Assessing Municipal Solid Waste Treatment and Disposal Systems

A comparative study of the major solid waste treatment and disposal systems in use in the Netherlands today are compared, using a wide range of evaluative criteria covering efficiency, cost, effectiveness in recycling raw materials and energy, and environmental impact. Use is made of a multi-criteria evaluation technique for the comparison. Since the systems are compared independent of their future location, the results of the analysis are generally applicable to all regions of The Netherlands. The study is primarily intended as an aid in designing a solid waste management programme, and provides information on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each system reviewed.