Appraisal of waste collection routeing and scheduling

This paper appraises the capabilities and limitations of automated vehicle routeing and scheduling methods for designing efficient waste collection rounds. Ways in which waste collection authorities may be able to improve their operational performance through the use of vehicle routeing and scheduling applications are suggested and four case studies from England are included to give an indication of what benefits might be achievable, in terms of reduced vehicle distance, cost, environmental impact or improved service. The paper describes the practical problems associated with designing real-life collection rounds and highlights the areas in which available models may be lacking.