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Optimization of Routes for the Collection of Solid Waste

Abstract:

This paper presents the results of the optimization of the current routes of the solid waste collection and transportation process in charge of the Public Cleaning and Environmental Management Company of Latacunga canton (EPAGAL). The objective of this research is to minimize the operating costs of each route in the city, using the algorithm applied to Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem (CVRP). To improve and add robustness to the model it was complemented with an exact heuristic for Miller Tucker Zemlin (MTZ) sub tour elimination, the model was solved using the optimization software ILOG CPEX Optimization Studio and with Python programming plugins. The result of the optimization was obtained a total average thrift in the distance of all the routes, both in a theoretical average saving “in a straight line” of 30.81% and with real data from the routes, an average saving of 11.51%. Furthermore, this optimization streamlines the work of collecting and transporting the solid waste, reduces overtime and reduces environmental impact.