An exact routing optimization model for bio-waste collection in the Brussels Capital Region

This paper presents a routing optimization model for wide range of waste collection problems which allows multiple depots with homogeneous, capacitated vehicles, intermediate stops at processing facilities, and pick-ups per location. By minimizing vehicle investment costs, the estimates total transportation costs given network design volumes to be collected different demand points. The number feasible routes is severely reduced by restricting subsequent pick-up location visits. model’s use illustrated through assessing four future, realistic bio-waste scenarios Brussels Capital Region (BCR). differ respect assumptions on future rates, joint versus separate food green waste, locations facilities. results show that highest cost reduction can achieved combined three composting locations. Moreover, we found introducing facilities significantly increases complexity problem.