Developing a comprehensive framework for municipal solid waste management alternatives: a case study in Turkey

Effective waste management techniques are required due to the serious environmental risks posed by the increase in the production of solid waste. This study addresses two important research questions regarding Turkey’s management of municipal solid waste (MSW). First, it fills a gap in the literature by identifying the optimal MSW treatment option using combined Pythagorean fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS) approach. Second, it applies a novel method called Environmental Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (E-FMEA), designed for practical application, to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment based on ISO 14001 standards. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the integrated AHP-WASPAS approach in decision-making, highlighting the optimal MSW treatment option. Additionally, E-FMEA systematically examines environmental risks associated with MSW management in Turkey, offering crucial insights for practice and policy formation. At the core of this study lies the integration of all methods as robust and holistic approach, comprehensively addressing key aspects of MSW management. Landfills emerge as the preferred option for waste management due to their versatility, affordability, long-term storage capacity, and integration of modern technologies to reduce environmental impacts. Numerical results reveal that both landfills and incinerators exhibit moderate to high Risk Priority Number (RPN) values across various environmental components, highlighting their significant potential environmental impacts. Furthermore, a risk analysis through sensitivity testing reveals that landfilling is the most favorable municipal solid waste management option in Turkey. These findings highlight the need for policies that prioritize sustainable waste treatment while addressing environmental risks.