Optimal location and operation of waste-to-energy plants when future waste composition is uncertain

In many countries, waste management is increasingly geared towards a circular economy, aiming for sustainable society with less generation, fewer landfills, and higher rate of recycling. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) plants, which convert into heat energy, can contribute to the economy by utilizing types that cannot be recycled. Due varying quality sorting socio-economic conditions in individual regions, composition differs between regions has an uncertain future development. Waste significantly affects operation WtE plants due differences energy potential. This paper supports strategic capacity planning recovery introducing two-stage stochastic mixed-integer linear programming model captures uncertainty through scenarios possible The results provide insights economics identify important factors sustainability handling system. demonstrated on instance six Czech Republic year 2030. solution proposed build 14 new total 1970 kt addition four existing 831 kt. annual expected increase almost times satisfy EU directives restrict landfilling.