Optimal Routing of Solid Waste Collection Trucks: A Review of Methods

Table 4

Summary of solid waste collection optimization approaches.

Approach	Strengths and weaknesses
(a) Mathematical programming	Strengths
	(1) Different types of VRPs are solved using mathematical algorithms
	(2) Seeks to maximize / minimize an objective function
	(3) Used for improvement in procedure
	(4) Ensures operational efficiency
	(5) Used as decision support tools
	Weaknesses
	(1) Provides partial solution when applied in reality
	(2) Cannot fully handle road / street network constraints which the collection routing problem involves
(b) GIS based	Strengths
	(1) Permits incorporation of impedances and restrictions in road network modeling
	(2) Spatially displays outputs of optimization which can easily be understood and appreciated
	(3) Allows incorporation of relief features into street network modeling
	(4) Improves waste collection efficiency
	(5) Used as decision support tools
	Weaknesses
	(1) Difficulty in incorporating environmental pollution consideration into street network modeling
	(2) VRP solver not ideal for calculating route optimization for large cluster of points