https://doi.org/10.69829/oper-025-0203-ta02

Abstract

This study aims to optimize waste collection processes in the urban district of Eskisehir, Turkey. Increasing urbanization and population density necessitate more efficient and sustainable management of municipal waste collection activities. The study seeks to develop a mathematical model for this problem in the form of a vehicle routing problem (VRP) and a region-specific solution, by utilizing data such as neighborhood-level waste generation volumes, container fill rates, and vehicle capacities. The objective of this research is to develop an optimized routing framework focused on minimizing total operational costs, fuel usage, and the number of deployed vehicles. In alignment with principles of environmental sustainability, the paper aims to provide a practical and adaptable model for local governments. The research incorporates a hybrid framework that combines Genetic Algorithm and Tabu Search—two metaheuristic techniques widely used in the literature. The effectiveness of the proposed hybrid approach is evaluated through computational experiments on the case study, with a comparative analysis of results obtained using OR-Tools. The outcomes of this study aim to offer an innovative perspective on urban waste management and contribute meaningfully to the academic literature.

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Cite this Article as

Pinar Sentuna, Basak Izmirli, Melis Alpaslan Takan, and Refail Kasimbeyli, Waste collection problem: mathematical model and solution method, Optimization Eruditorum, 2(3), 165–1183, 2025