Title: Application of system dynamics for the sustainable management of solid waste in urban areas of Pakistan

Authors: Shoaib Muhammad; Fatima Kauser; Arsalan Raza; Ishtiaq Hassan; Shahmir Janjua

Addresses: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Wah, Wah Cantt 47040, Pakistan; National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan ' National Institute of Urban Infrastructure Planning, University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Pakistan; Local Government and Rural Development Department, KPK, Pakistan ' Department of Civil Engineering, University of Wah, Wah Cantt 47040, Pakistan ' Department of Civil Engineering, Ibadat International University, Islamabad, Pakistan ' Department of Civil Engineering, Ibadat International University, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract: Environmental problems, especially related to solid waste management, are a growing concern for every developing country, including Pakistan. Rapid population growth has significantly increased the levels of solid waste pollution, and the situation continues to worsen with every passing day. The technical, financial, environmental, and social elements involved in the management of solid waste systems are interconnected, resulting in several interacting feedback loops, thus making solid waste management a complex and dynamic problem. This research aims to develop an integrated system dynamics (SD) framework for the sustainable management of solid waste. The SD model is developed based on a detailed causal loop diagram prepared for the management of solid waste using STELLA software. Different strategies are formulated by including the policy levers in the model. The simulation results show that different financing strategies undertaken by the management can result in varying impacts for the consumers regarding collection efficiency and financial burden.

Keywords: solid waste management; sustainability; system dynamics; STELLA software; policy levers; simulation; Pakistan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGENVI.2023.134045

International Journal of Global Environmental Issues, 2023 Vol.22 No.2/3, pp.121 - 144

Received: 06 Sep 2021
Accepted: 16 Feb 2022
Published online: 10 Oct 2023 *

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