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Applying the Efficiency Analysis Tree Method for Enhanced Eco-Efficiency in Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Chilean Municipalities

Author

Listed:
  • Ramon Sala-Garrido

    (Departamento de Matemáticas para la Economía y la Empresa, Universidad de Valencia, Avd. Tarongers S/N, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Manuel Mocholi-Arce

    (Departamento de Matemáticas para la Economía y la Empresa, Universidad de Valencia, Avd. Tarongers S/N, 46010 Valencia, Spain)

  • Maria Molinos-Senante

    (Institute of Sustainable Processes, University of Valladolid, C/ Mergelina S/N, 47002 Valladolid, Spain)

  • Alexandros Maziotis

    (Department of Business, New York College, Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 38, 105 58 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

Enhancing the eco-efficiency of municipal solid waste (MSW) services is pivotal for the shift toward a circular economy. Although the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method is widely used, it is susceptible to overfitting, potentially distorting eco-efficiency assessments. This study applies the efficiency analysis tree (EAT) method, which synergizes machine learning and linear programming, offering a more reliable framework for eco-efficiency evaluation in the MSW sector. This innovative approach provides deeper insights into the optimal levels of operational costs and unsorted waste. The research encompasses a case study of 98 Chilean municipalities from 2015 to 2019, uncovering significant disparities in optimal operational expenses and unsorted waste quantities, which underscores the necessity for customized waste management approaches. The average eco-efficiency scores for 2015–2019 range between 0.561 and 0.566. This means that assessed municipalities can reduce unsorted waste by amounts ranging from 1,632,409 tons/year (2016) to 1,822,663 tons/year (2018). Potential economic savings estimated are 105,973 USD/year (2019), which represents 44% of the total MSW management costs. Additionally, the investigation into the effects of external factors on eco-efficiency furnishes nuanced perspectives that can guide policymakers and municipal authorities in developing effective, context-specific waste management strategies. Beyond refining eco-efficiency evaluations, this study contributes to more informed decision-making processes, aiding the progression toward sustainable waste management practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Ramon Sala-Garrido & Manuel Mocholi-Arce & Maria Molinos-Senante & Alexandros Maziotis, 2024. "Applying the Efficiency Analysis Tree Method for Enhanced Eco-Efficiency in Municipal Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Chilean Municipalities," Clean Technol., MDPI, vol. 6(4), pages 1-14, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jcltec:v:6:y:2024:i:4:p:75-1578:d:1525855
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pérez-López, Gemma & Prior, Diego & Zafra-Gómez, José Luis & Plata-Díaz, Ana María, 2016. "Cost efficiency in municipal solid waste service delivery. Alternative management forms in relation to local population size," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 255(2), pages 583-592.
    2. Di Foggia, Giacomo & Beccarello, Massimo, 2018. "Improving efficiency in the MSW collection and disposal service combining price cap and yardstick regulation: The Italian case," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 79, pages 223-231.
    3. Mehdiloo, Mahmood & Podinovski, Victor V., 2019. "Selective strong and weak disposability in efficiency analysis," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 276(3), pages 1154-1169.
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