A comparative study of municipal solid waste management through case studies of Stockholm and Kolkata
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2023-12-11
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Biomass Processing
Mcode
Degree programme
Environomical Pathways for Sustainable Energy Systems
Language
en
Pages
138+22
Series
Abstract
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is at the forefront of urban sustainability, impacting environmental health, economic growth, and overall quality of life.This thesis aims to tackle the research gap of waste collection route optimization using spatial analysis to improve efficiency. Through examination of two diverse cities, Stockholm, Sweden, and Kolkata, India, the research reveals distinct waste management challenges and solutions. Stockholm tackles challenges like changing consumption patterns and snow-induced collection route issues, while Kolkata faces limited waste segregation and disruptions from monsoon seasons. A common area of concern is optimising collection routes. This study employed QGIS for spatial analysis, mapping waste collection routes, and estimating emissions and transportation costs for specified truck models. Sensitivity analysis identified key variables affecting costs and emissions, such as truck efficiency and route length. Results showed stark differences between the two cities' transportation costs and emissions. In the context of waste transportation expenses, the annual cost associated with transporting waste from a single collection station to Högdalens waste-to-energy plant in Stockholm averages 1958.46€ (22,623.64 SEK) for the Scania truck model and 1433.80€ (16,562.857 SEK)for Volvo model. On the other hand, the average annual cost of transporting waste from one sanitary landfill to the Rajarhat waste-to-energy plant in Kolkata using the Mahindra truck model is 204.91€ (17,975.55 INR) per landfill. A PESTEL analysis further highlighted policy, economic, technological, environmental, and legal differences and similarities between Stockholm and Kolkata. Recommendations include decentralising waste management, stricter penalties for non-compliance, public education, and updating efficient collection routes. Stockholm could benefit from Kolkata's grassroots strategies, while Kolkata might learn from Stockholm's technological advancements and awareness campaigns. In conclusion, this study emphasises the importance of tailored waste management strategies, yet underscores the universal utility of tools like QGIS in enhancing MSW management efficiency globally.Description
Supervisor
Järvinen, MikaThesis advisor
Khatiwada, DilipKeywords
municipal solid waste, spatial analysis, waste-to-energy, barriers and opportunities, optimal pathways, waste management