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Optimal waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic
Aurora Del Carmen Munguía-López1, Rogelio Ochoa-Barragán1, José María Ponce-Ortega1
1Chemical Engineering Department, Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Francisco J. Mujica S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Morelia, Michoacán 58060, México.
The COVID-19 pandemic increased medical waste. This study presents a mathematical model for optimal waste management, promoting recycling through taxes to maximize profits and minimize environmental impact.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Operations Research
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased medical waste generation, posing substantial health risks.
- Ineffective medical waste management exacerbates environmental pollution and public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model for optimizing medical solid waste management.
- To propose a circular value chain for intensified waste treatment in an industrial park.
- To evaluate the impact of recycling incentives on waste management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Formulated as a mixed-integer linear programming problem.
- Selected processing technologies and production capacities for waste treatment.
- Applied the model to a case study in New York City, incorporating tax incentives for recycling.
Main Results:
- A Pareto curve illustrates the trade-off between economic profits and processed waste volume.
- Proposed tax rates effectively promote recycling, even for less economically viable waste streams.
- The model demonstrated potential for increased profits, reduced environmental impact, and mitigated health risks.
Conclusions:
- Mathematical modeling provides an effective framework for optimizing medical waste management.
- Circular economy principles and targeted economic incentives can enhance recycling and sustainability.
- The proposed strategy offers a viable solution for managing increased medical waste post-pandemic.
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