An Optimal Model and Its Algorithm for Multi-echelon MSW Recycling Network Design

Municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling network design has been one of the most important MSW management problems. A location and routing problem (LRP) model is proposed in this paper that considering both facilities locations optimization and collection & transportation routes optimization to design MSW recycling network. A hybrid algorithm is proposed to solve the LRP model by serial operating Tabu search and genetic algorithm. Optimal locations and scale of various facilities, improved route planning of waste collection & transportation can simultaneously obtained. For illustration, a numerical example is utilized to show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm. Experimental results show that the hybrid algorithm can stable obtain optimal solution within very short computing time, total cost of MSW recycling network can be greatly reduced. The LRP model and hybrid algorithm can effectively solve the problem of MSW recycling network design and provide decision support for relevant decision makers.