Multi-criteria analysis as an emerging tool for biowaste integrated management: a review from food waste prevention to by-products use

Despite the variety of technologies available for the valorization of biowaste, this fraction of municipal solid waste is usually disposed of in landfills and dumpsites in undeveloped and developing countries. The selection of technological strategies compatible with the reality of each location represents an essential role in the success and continuity of the operation of the facilities. The best strategy will result from combining different environmental, economic, social, and technical dimensions, confronted with the interests of the stakeholders and the legal and policy contexts. Due to the complexity of different criteria, alternatives, and interests, a Multi-criteria Decision-making (MCDM) methodology is recommended to ensure the quality of the decision-making process. This study presents a systematic review of publications that have applied multi-criteria analysis as a decision support tool for the selection of biowaste management strategies. The different stages of management are discussed separately, highlighting the change in paradigms over time. It was found that less than a hundred studies have addressed it so far, with Asia contributing to most publications. However, the timeline shows that the number of publications is increasing, with multi-criteria models representing great potential to support decisions at any individual management stage, from preventing food waste to using by-products. Integrated multi-criteria approach that combines all stages of biowaste management, however, is still scarce in the literature.