Evaluating Solid Waste Management Alternatives in Selected Municipalities of Surigao Del Norte Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA)

Abstract

Significant environmental and operational challenges in municipal solid waste management (MSW) are persistent in island municipalities, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like Del Carmen and General Luna, Surigao Del Norte, Philippines. To evaluate and rank solid waste management alternatives in these areas, this study uses multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) which combines the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods. Environmental, economic, social, and technical factors in SWM were considered in the identified evaluation criteria. The waste treatment and disposal scenarios determined include S1: 100% Sanitary Landfill, S2: MBT & Recycling, S3: Pyrolysis & Anaerobic Digestion, S4: MRF & Composting, and S5: SLF + Energy Recovery. The perspectives of eleven (11) experts were used for pairwise comparison of evaluation criteria and evaluating scenarios through online surveys. Criteria such as reducing waste leakage (0.23), mitigating pollution and health risks (0.15), and recovering resources (0.13) were the top priorities based on experts’ preference. Out of the five scenarios assessed, all types of waste go to sanitary landfill was the most feasible disposal option (0.92). This option is aligned with local government capacities, operational costs, and technical feasibility. Conversely, advanced technologies such as MBT, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion offered environmental benefits but limited by cost, technical complexity, and logistical issues specific to the islands. MRFs and composting appeared to be important based on results but not enough as standalone solutions. Integrating waste reduction, recycling, circular economy measures, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks with sanitary landfill operations are recommended to address issues in SWM. Additionally, the study suggests establishing clustered SLF supported by strong monitoring and evaluation systems, capacity-building, and infrastructure investments. Protected area management and enforcement should also include solid waste management to maintain ecological integrity. These findings offer practical guidance for policymakers and local governments. They aim to help design sustainable, resilient, and context-specific waste management systems that protect human health and fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.