Dynamic model for predicting solid waste generation

Abstract

The growing challenges regarding the management of solid waste (SW) in the municipalities and the need to reduce the environmental impacts caused to the environment has been driving the search for strategies that provide solutions to such problems. Among these strategies is the use of dynamic systems modeling, which allows for analyzing the behavior of situations such as the generation of SW in a given period of time. Considering the need for studies that corroborate for effectiveness in the management of SW, this study proposed a dynamic model to estimate the generation of SW and a routine to calculate the financial return of recycled waste. The model was built in the STELLA software and considered aspects such as the rate of populational growth, daily and per capita SW generation, as well as the components identified through gravimetric characterization and the values ​​practiced in the sale of waste that are recycled in the region as well as, as well as estimates routines composed and identified by gravimetric characterization and the value practiced in the sale of recyclable waste. The model associates and stimulates discussion concerning the dynamic modeling of SW, promoting the development of theoretical thinking and interaction between what is currently produced and how much can be produced in the future, which shows the way for a better management strategy to employed.