Improving solid waste management in remote First Nations communities through inventory-theory-based optimization

Solid waste management (SWM) is crucially important for sustainable development and the environmental management system in First Nations (FN) communities and reserves. This research developed an inventory-theory-based optimization model under uncertainty for SWM to support FN communities. The model can be used to pick the most appropriate facilities and the most optimal waste destination for achieving minimum system cost. The opening conditions of SWM facilities depend on the situation to satisfy the demand for solid waste treatment. The economic order quantity model is combined with the developed model to determine the optimal batch size and order cycle to minimize inventory costs. The facility selection and waste allocation in the normal and winter seasons under different risk levels can all be obtained from the developed model. These solutions can guide professionals in analyzing the trade-offs between system cost and constraint-violation risks in management and operation.