Residential curbside waste collection programs design: A multicriteria and participatory approach using choosing by advantages. (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pérez, Catalina; Arroyo, Paz; Richards, Chris; Mourgues, Claudio
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 119(2021)
• Page Start: 267
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Environmental policy design -- Waste collection program design -- Decision-making process efficiency -- Satisfaction levels -- MCDM methods -- Choosing by Advantages; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2020.08.055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Choosing by Advantages (CBA) is applicable to design a waste collection program. CBA included the preferences of the community in the program-design process. 75% of decision makers preferred using CBA to reach consensus and transparency. 55% of decision-makers preferred CBA to make complex decisions. Few decisions makers preferred CBA to make faster decisions due to learning curve. Abstract: Policy making involves translating political visions into programs that seek to change a social behavior. To design these programs, decision makers must consider multiple aspects to achieve sustainable solutions. Furthermore, decision makers must manage interrelated information and preferences of different stakeholders to ensure the policy suits the community and accomplishes its goals. This research provides evidence of the applicability of the Choosing by Advantages (CBA) decision system to make environmental public policies, in particular to design a waste collection program for a city in Canada. The methodology is based on a case study where CBA was used to choose the recycling, organics, and PAYT (Pay as you throw) utility components of the program. To analyze the process, researchers measured decision makers' perceptions of levels of satisfaction or frustration during the program-design process by conducting surveys with decision-makers at different stages in time. The research also measured decision-makers' preference for applying CBA over traditional practices where no formal decision-making method is used, in terms of (1) reaching consensus and transparency, (2) making complex decisions, and (3) making faster decisions. The results show that CBA helped to include multiple aspects in designing for sustainability, and to consider the municipality and community preferences into the program. The study also evidenced that satisfaction levels increased as the process progressed. Finally, 75% of decision makers reported preference for CBA regarding reaching consensus and transparency, while this preference was milder (55%) regarding making complex decisions, and the opposite (27%) regarding making faster decisions.