Optimization of solid waste collection system of Antalya

ABSTRACT Environment which constitutes the most important agenda of the world must be protected with all values exist in the world. Nature is not a limitless source, its ability of renew itself is limited. Forming again of ecological balance is difficult and also impossible. For this reason; providing of environment protection-using balance is possible with participating of communities. One of the factors which pollute natural environment is urban solid wastes. Solid waste problem increases rapidly as a result of rapid and crooked urbanization. For this reason, solid wastes must be collected, transported and stored as active, productive and systematic and must be made harmless. Amount of solid waste increases according to population and consumption habits, besides, existing dumping areas have been dangerous and have connected with city. Solid wastes collected are sent away empty fields as unsystematic in many municipalities. As a result; problems disappearing of productive agriculture fields and pollution of groundwater occur. Besides, this disposal method used affects health of people seriously. Problem of solid waste must be examined in two sections as procedure of solid waste collection and transportation and removal of solid waste. In both two sections, economic values must take into consideration with environment and human health. Waste collection separately system in it's source has to be considered before operation of collection, transportation and removal. Amount of solid waste whichwill be brought to removed unit and also cost of collection, transportation and removal of solid wastes will reduce with applying this system. The aim of this study; optimization of collection and transportation solid waste of Antalya. Operation of collection and transportation has been evaluated in two sections. First section is collection and transportation from regions straight to removed units and second section is collection and transportation from regions to transfer stations and transportation from transfer stations to removed units. In this research; existing dumping area still used in Antalya and existing solid waste collection-transportation system have been examined, however, optimum collection-transportation system for Muratpaşa, Kepez, Konyaaltı sub-municipalities has been researched also taking into consideration the economy. Besides, assumptions for usage state of new dumping area planning to set in Varsak have been done.