Mathematical Model of Solid Waste Management in Nyamira Municipality Using Fuzzy Goal Programming

Abstract

Waste in urban areas is growing rapidly everywhere in the world. Effective methods to address the challenges of solid waste management are critical in achieving a clean and healthy environment. The problem of waste growth in urban areas has been brought about by low collection of waste, illegal and uncontrolled dumping sites and the absence of sewage lines. In Kenya, for instance, the growth of the economy, which resulted in the development of cities and the emergence of towns, led to waste management challenges. Efforts have been directed towards addressing the problem of waste management by various county governments. This study sought to address solid waste disposal and management challenges in Nyamira Municipality. The methods that are being employed to address this challenge are costly and have not yielded desirable results, as was evident from the scattered waste in the streets of Nyamira Municipality. Currently, the management does not carry out any waste recycling and has hired one landfill, which is paid for monthly. This Study formulated a solid waste management tool that involved the construction of a fuzzy goal programming model. The model was solved analytically using the simplex method. A sensitivity analysis was carried out, and graphs were drawn using MATLAB software. The utility of the model was tested using data from Nyamira municipality. The research advocated for waste recycling as one of the ways of managing waste to earn revenue from this recycled waste. The findings of this study are useful in formulating policies such as setting up waste management projects and establishing recycling industries. This will go a long way by reducing the cost by at least 36%. Furthermore, the findings form the basis for future research in related fields.