Multicriteria approach for evaluating biowaste-valorization cases

Abstract

The selection of waste-valorization projects is a complex decision process that involves many factors and variables to guarantee an appropriate definition of the best waste-management strategy to be applied for a specific waste typology. Different technological approaches can be identified based on the diverse waste types, such as fish byproducts, spent coffee grounds, used cooking oils, and sewage sludge. To identify the most suitable and sustainable method for processing each residue type, one must consider multiple criteria in the decision-making process (i.e., economic, technological, environmental, social, and political) to define a specific waste-management strategy. In this study, the analytical-hierarchy-process model is applied to evaluate waste-treatment projects based on the criteria above. This methodological approach involves several steps. First, existing state-of-the-art projects are critically reviewed to identify more advanced solutions for waste management. Second, biowaste projects are characterized by the application of multiple criteria and subcriteria. Finally, prioritized solutions are generated to elucidate the ranking of biowaste based on a hierarchical structure.

Keywords

• Biowaste
• Valorization technologies
• Analytic hierarchy process (AHP)
• Multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA)
• Sustainability