Sustainable integrated management of agro-industrial waste

Abstract

The sustainable management of agro-industrial waste presents environmental, economic, and logistical challenges. The increasing waste generation and its geographical dispersion hinder centralized management solutions, which could benefit from adopting mathematical models and computational tools to optimize the infrastructure and efficiency of the management system. In this context, facility location, inventory management, and vehicle routing models are key to improving collection logistics, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact. This research integrates optimization models, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and data science to support decision-making in the location of treatment and recovery plants. The study initially focuses on the southwest of the Buenos Aires province, considering an integrated network of waste generation, collection, recycling, and treatment (incineration, pyrolysis, biogas, composting, among others). The objective is to minimize costs, reduce the carbon footprint, and maximize social impact through the development of mathematical models and spatial analysis with GIS. Preliminary results on reverse logistics for empty pesticide containers show significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and CO₂ emissions. The integration of GIS and mathematical models allows for the design of strategies tailored to local conditions. Future lines of work include applying this methodology to other waste products and regions, strengthening agro-industrial sustainability and the circular economy.