Suitable Solid Waste Disposal Site Selection Using Geographic Information System And Multi-Criteria Approach: Case Ambo Town

Abstract

Solid waste management system is the most difficult task that many countries, both developing and developed, are facing. Site selection method is one of the easy and cheap management systems which are always needed for sustainable management of solid waste. The main objective of the study was to select waste disposal site for the town that is environmentally sound, socially acceptable and economically feasible in Ambo town. To achieve the objectives, the present study was conducted by Analytical Hierarchical Process and Multi-criteria Approach for selecting suitable waste disposal sites. The data used for the study include digital elevation model (DEM), Ground control point (GCP) collected by Global position system (GPS),Soil, Geology, Topography map, and Structural plan as well as interviews and field observations. All the factor maps were reclassified and standardized in GIS environment followed by preparation of their suitability map. Analytical Hierarchy Processes pair-wise comparison module was used to derive weights for all factor parameters. Accordingly, 34.49km2(45%) of the study area is unsuitable, 26.93km2(34%) less suitable, 12.18 km2 (15%) is suitable and 3.95km2(6%) is more suitable for waste disposal. The proposed more suitable areas for solid waste dumping sites fall on south, south-west and east part of the town where there are least environmental and health risks. The study revealed that Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are helpful tools for solid waste disposal site selection. The finding of the study shows that 6 candidate dumping sites in relation to those evaluating criteria. Waste disposal site 1, 2 and 3 have beenchosen as the most suitable site. Therefore, waste disposal sites 4, 5 and 6 are ranked from 1 to 3 based on their area and distance from the center and nearby settlements due to their minimum environmental and social negative effects compared to the other sites. In general, waste disposal site selection has been required appropriate consideration from stakeholders and other concerned bodies.