The use of system dynamics on urban solid waste management: a literature analysis

Abstract

Urban solid waste management is a complex system due to the many variables that compose it, which makes it difficult for managers to make decisions. Among the decision-making tools is system dynamics. To identify the gaps between the literature and the studies about urban solid waste management by using system dynamics method, a survey of published papers on the subject was made, which were later analyzed using some defined criteria, such as the level of the study, the software used for modeling, the variables included in the model, among others. The research identified that, among the stages of solid waste management, the collection process is still little incorporated in the models, being mentioned in only nine studies analyzed. Besides, the environmental, financial and institutional requirements were not adequately explored in the models. Future research should endeavor to include these elements in the models, which will allow the proposed system to be approximated to the complex reality of solid waste management.

Tracking Waste Management Information Disclosure Behavior Connected to Financial Performance through Moderating Variables

“…The waste component is very important in the environmental dimension of sustainability, just as the environmental dimension is an essential component of corporate social responsibility [ 13 ] because it concerns the impact of companies on living and non-living natural systems, water, land, air, and ecosystems [ 12 ]. Most research has considered environmental aspects [ 1 , 5 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ], but few have focused their attention on waste [ 4 , 27 , 28 ].…”

“…Subdivision 306 encourages companies to disclose information on the total volume of water it discharges by quality and destination, the total weight of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and the method of disposal, significant discharges, and their impact, the transportation of hazardous waste, and the water bodies and related habitats which are significantly affected by spills and/or a runoff [ 3 ]. Waste management aims to minimize the impact on the environment and includes activities involving the prevention of waste generation [ 4 ], recycling and reuse to ensure a circular economy, optimizing the disposal process, and monitoring waste management are of interest to society and stakeholders. Thus, companies can approach a pro-disclosure behavior to legitimize their operations, reduce information asymmetry and the cost of capital, and consequently achieve a better financial performance [ 5 ].…”

Development of an Evaluation System for Intelligent Construction Using System Dynamics Modeling

“…At present, the system dynamics method has been applied to the study of the productivity influence factors of green construction enterprises [18], analyses on the carbon emission process of the construction industry at different stages. [19], and research on urban solid waste management and urban earthquake disaster reduction evaluation systems [20,21]. The development of intelligent construction technology facilitates the understanding of causal relationships but also exhibits characteristics of multiple circuits, making it an indispensable component of complex social and economic management systems.…”

Application of system dynamics to evaluate reduction targets for the entry of solid waste into a landfill site

“…On the other hand, system dynamics help to analyze complex and multivariable problems. So, the application of this type of study allows us to quickly understand how awareness and education campaigns on solid waste management combined with the implementation of waste separation plants in households can help increase the useful life of sanitary landfills under different scenarios [10,11]. In Table 1, some studies that address the problem of solid waste management can be seen.…”