Solid Waste Management using Georeferenced Multi-agent Systems*

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the elements that influence in solid waste management in the center of “Centro Histórico de Quito”. The proposed methodology includes making a simulation with georeferenced multi-agents that improve the handling of the waste. By using the GAMA platform, a simulation model was established with three types of agents: collectors, people and waste containers within an environment modeled with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) layers where the simulation takes place. Each agent is defined by limits and attributes to do actions close to reality within the simulation environment in such a way that people throw waste to the waste container which in turn are emptied by the collectors. A schedule and initial parameters are defined which are modified during the simulation to optimize the routers or the number of collectors. As results, it was observed that with the growth of population in that area, the handling of waste gets more complex. It is not enough to modify the routers, making it necessary to increase the number of collectors.