A Quantitative Assessment Approach to Implement Pneumatic Waste Collection System Using a New Expert Decision Matrix Related to UN SDGs

Abstract

An innovative decision matrix has been developed to guide the selection and implementation of Pneumatic Urban Solid Waste Collection Systems (PUSWCS) in smart city projects. This study comprehensively collects and analyzes data on the advantages and disadvantages of pneumatic collection systems from technical, economic, and social perspectives. A decision-making tool was created to address the complexities of evaluating the desirability of incorporating PUSWCS in municipalities or specific areas, using a holistic approach. The tool assesses the technical, economic, and social feasibility of implementing PUSWCS, aligning it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specific variables are measured to assess compliance with the SDGs, distinguishing technical aspects from economic and social aspects. The methodology includes surveys of system users and technicians, expert assessments, and the development of a decision matrix that cross-references study variables and SDGs. The matrix assigns numerical values to the Magnitude (M) and Impact (I) of each variable, enabling quantitative interpretation. This holistic approach accommodates the complexities of waste management and diverse stakeholder perspectives. The results demonstrate the matrix’s effectiveness in accurately assessing the desirability of implementing PUSWCS. This confirms the matrix’s ability to optimally integrate with innovative smart city concepts and align with long-term sustainability goals. The study concludes that the design of the decision matrix allows the collection of information from experts, users, and stakeholders about economic, social, and environmental variables and relates them to the SDGs, to obtain a numerical result that allows to decide whether in a given urban environment it is advisable to implement a PUSWCS.