Siting a Waste Transfer Station in District 6 of Karaj Municipality to Reduce Pollution

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University Of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Environmental Engineering, Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/poll.2025.388834.2751

Abstract

The rapid increase in waste generation, particularly in urbanized and developed regions, presents a significant challenge. Improper waste management leads not only to environmental degradation and pollution but also to substantial risks to public health. Given the complexity of municipal solid waste (MSW) management, effective strategies are essential. Collection, the most expensive part of MSW management, becomes more challenging in large cities with disposal sites far from collection points. In such cases, establishing waste transfer stations with high-capacity semi-trailers can help reduce environmental pollution and operational costs. This study aims to identify the optimal location for a waste transfer station in District 6 of Karaj Municipality. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) - based network analysis, the most suitable area was identified according to its proximity to population centers. Exclusion zones were eliminated using the Boolean method, and within the remaining area, zones were prioritized using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) approach in accordance with service unit placement criteria. The outcome of this study is recommended sites for the establishment of a waste transfer station serving Districts 5, 6, and 7 of Karaj Municipality.

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