A System Dynamics Modeling of Municipal Solid Waste Management Systems in Delhi

Municipal solid waste management system (MSWMS) includes MSW generation, storage, collection, transfer and transport, processing and disposal. The planning of an optimal MSWM strategy requires a reliable tool for predicting the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) that is likely to be produced. The MSWMS is a complex, dynamic and multi-faceted system depending not only on available technology but also upon economic and social factors. Computer models are of great value to understand the dynamics of such complex systems. Therefore, in this study a system dynamics (SD) computer model has been used to predict MSW generated, collected, disposed, recycled and treated capacities, and to estimate the electricity generated from MSW and to predict the fund required for MSWM in Delhi during 2006 and 2024. It is expected that the per capita generation rate will be 0.61 kg/day and the compost production rate will be 342 thousands in 2024. The electrical energy generation potential from various MSW treatment methods will be 302275.3 Mwh and the projection revenue produced from different facilities will be 2068.6 (million Rs.) and this revenue can cover all the costs required for these facilities in 2024.