Integrated Approach to Achieve a Sustainable Organic Waste Management System in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Sustainability Studies
• Waste Management Engineering

Background:

• Organic waste management (OWM) is crucial for human populations, requiring tailored approaches. Sustainability trends, including the 3Rs (reducing, reusing, recycling), are globally significant but vary with economic capacity.
• High-income nations can invest in advanced 3Rs technologies, while 'Zero Waste' goals are challenging for developing countries. Saudi Arabia's (KSA) OWM system needs specific evaluation within this context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the current state of OWM in KSA and compare it with international practices.
• To propose an integrated OWM system tailored for KSA, emphasizing sustainability, policy alignment, technology, and public involvement.
• To introduce a genetic-based algorithm for optimizing waste collection and transportation efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual assessment of OWM sustainability matters.
• Analysis of OWM situations in KSA and other countries.
• Development of an integrated OWM framework incorporating policy, technology, and public engagement.
• Introduction of a genetic-based waste collection transportation algorithm utilizing route efficiency metrics (R and IPv).

Main Results:

• The proposed integrated approach addresses state policy, technology, institutional order, administration, and public awareness for sustainable OWM.
• The genetic-based algorithm enhances waste collection truck management efficiency.
• Selected routes demonstrated superior efficiency, with minimum R 2.63% lower and minimum IPv 27.08% lower than available routes.

Conclusions:

• The developed integrated OWM system and optimization algorithm offer a viable model for sustainable waste management in KSA.
• The approach is adaptable and beneficial for various country-specific contexts, promoting efficient resource utilization and cost reduction.