Development of a municipal solid waste dynamic model in Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

With the growing trend of municipal solid waste amount, Bangkok now faces a number of environmental problems. To properly manage wastes and plan for an effective waste management program in the long term, this study developed a municipal solid waste dynamic model with three involved parties: 1) the “Householder”, 2) the “Government Officer”, and 3) the “Scavenger”. The relationships among the three key parties are examined through simulation results. The results indicate that, with the cooperation of all three parties, recyclable wastes can be completely sorted in 17 years. Policy testing is also conducted to effectively plan for recycling program implementation. The results reveal the importance of householder cooperation to successfully implement such a program. The developed dynamic model helps in better understanding the MSW situation in Bangkok, and plan for effective waste management