A Multi-Objective Decision Model for Hazardous Waste Management: Optimizing Cost and Transportation Risk

Hazardous waste management poses significant challenges due to its potential risks to human health and the environment. This study develops a multi-objective decision model for hazardous waste management, focusing on minimizing both total cost and transportation risk. The model integrates various aspects of hazardous waste handling, including facility location selection, optimal transportation routing, recycling of residual waste, and capacity constraints of each facility. By utilizing a mixed-integer programming approach, the model accounts for different types of hazardous waste, their residuals, and technological requirements for treatment. An interactive solution algorithm is proposed using a multi-objective programming approach to accommodate the conflicting priorities of different decision-makers, such as corporations aiming to minimize costs and governments prioritizing risk reduction. The results of the model provide a balanced solution that optimizes both economic and environmental objectives, making it applicable to real-world scenarios in hazardous waste management.