Modeling a hierarchical structure of municipal solid waste management using interpretive structural modeling

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is the fundamental environmental management in urban area, the characteristic of uncontrolled burning of wastes and improper incineration contributes significantly to urban air pollution needed for citizen life. This study proposed 18 criteria on Taipei metropolitan using interpretive structural modeling (ISM) with interrelationships among the criteria, influencing MSWM activities which have been derived. However, there are few studies proposed this analytical technique in building the hierarchical structure and result in driving and dependence power, none of them are proposed in environmental management. The ISM provides a means by which order can be imposed on the complicated interrelations of criteria. The proposed criteria categorizes according to driving and dependence power into a hierarchical structure model. The insight from model would help the management in strategic planning for improving MSWM activities. The results and concluding remarks are discussed. Key-Words: municipal solid waste management; interpretive structural modeling; hierarchical structure