A systems?engineering approach to nation?scale problems: Municipal solid waste management in Saudi Arabia

The systems-engineering context of the solid waste disposal problem is discussed with a focus on issues in Saudi Arabia. A methodology was developed for dividing system interest into set weakly-coupled sub-systems that interact narrow interest. model interest, this case municipal (MSW) Arabia, then created and validated. development mathematical described used to investigate range scenarios future Arabia's MSW time horizon 30 years. most effective method uses anaerobic digestion, incineration recycling reduce total mass landfill over years by 73% when compared default scenario (no action taken). In final year simulation, reduces annual 69% reasonable source reduction strategy. energy generated incineration, shown contribute maximum 2.3% Kingdom's production. Lifecycle analysis shows best management produces DALY (disability life year) score which 2% current strategy, even if moderate employed. two newly suggested are have net positive impact environment due large part stream, preventing acidification/eutrophication manufacture virgin goods.