Trash Management: Sizing and Timing Decisions for Incineration and Landfill Facilities

Managing municipal solid waste (trash) is becoming increasingly important for public sector agencies responsible for its treatment and disposal. Waste-management facilities, such as landfills and incinerators, have substantial development and operating costs, and the public is increasingly concerned with their location and operation. A dynamic programming approach to determine the optimal sizing and timing for landfills and waste-to-energy facilities was used by three municipalities currently in the planning and development stage. It has potential application for other municipalities investigating strategies for developing and expanding their waste-management systems.