GIS based optimal collection routing model for municipal solid waste: case study in Singanallur, India

In this paper an attempt has been made to develop an appropriate storage and collection plan based on optimal routing model using Geologic Information System in one of the wards of the Singanallur, Coimbatore city, India. The ward map is digitized and geo- referenced. The collection bins are attributed and collection routes of the MSW are optimized for degradable and recyclable wastes separately. The optimized route covered by the collection vehicle during the collection of recyclable wastes is 82.5% lesser than the degradable wastes. This is due to lesser generation of recyclable wastes than the degradable wastes. Also, there is a collection distance saving of 46% and benefit in the vehicle running and maintenance expenditure is 86.7% due to the optimization of collection routes. This study helps the waste management organizers to streamline the collection system in the ward.