Fuzzy Inexact Mixed-Integer Semiinfinite Programming for Municipal Solid Waste Management Planning

Based on the concept of functional intervals, fuzzy inexact mixed-integer semiinfinite programming (FIMISIP) method is developed for municipal solid waste management planning. The method allows the uncertainties in parameters expressed as fuzzy, interval, and functional interval numbers to be directly communicated into the programming problem. The FIMISIP problem is solved by dividing it into two interactive semiinfinite programming (SIP) subproblems. Solutions reflecting the inherent uncertainties can then be generated by combining the SIP solutions into a set of decision intervals. The method is applied to a municipal solid waste management planning system for demonstrating its effectiveness in dealing with uncertain and dynamic complexities. Compared to the previous inexact programming methods, FIMISIP has the advantages as follows: (1) the dynamic complexity can be addressed by introducing the functional-interval parameters associated with time into the programming problem; (2) the FIMISIP solutions provide a set of flexible waste-management schemes to the decision makers; and (3) the FIMISIP solutions are more reliable than those from the previous ILP ones since they can be “really” optimal regardless of how the parameters vary with time within the time period. While this study is a first attempt to solve solid waste management issues under complex uncertainties, the method can be extended to other environmental management planning problems.