A GIS-AHP Combination for Assessment of Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Sites in Songkhla, Thailand

Abstract

Finding an appropriate landfill site has become necessary in current global scenario because of increasing waste generation and the use of improper disposal of waste that can adversely affect ecosystem. In this research a scientific technique is used to identify suitable landfill sites. The objective of the study consists of morphological, environmental and socio-economic factors. Integrating Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in order to evaluate data obtained from government organizations and online portals, including a recent data of waste production centres from Regional Environmental Office. To demonstrate the methodology, a case study from Southern Thailand was employed. Thirteen landfill site selection criteria were finalized based on expert opinion. The results showed an area of 560.59 ha (very highly suitable), 993.19 ha (highly suitable) and 180.72 ha (moderately suitable) for landfill sites whereas the remaining portion of the study area being unsuitable for landfill sites. This work has high potential to contribute in future waste management policies by assisting stakeholders in landfill site selection that may reduce harmful effects on the ecosystem.