Reverse supply chain management approach for municipal solid waste with waste sorting subsidy policy

Abstract Continuously increasing municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, which has resulted in serious environmental pollution, resource consumption, and health problems, requires a disposal stream for improved recycling and reuse. In this study, a novel methodology is proposed that combines advanced “hard path” technologies and “soft path” policy to facilitate an effective and sustainable waste-to-energy approach. Multiple tech-economic MSW cascaded systems were established and combined for MSW terminal treatment, and a subsidy policy was applied to waste source management. Furthermore, an MSW reverse supply chain (MSWRSC) was proposed that integrates waste source and end treatment management, and a multi-objective mixed-integer dynamic model was established to optimize the MSW treatment process by achieving cost control, carbon emission reduction, and job creation. A practical case study was then conducted to provide the analysis paradigm including the system deployment and facilities operation. Further, some important conclusions and suggestions are summarized for reference by the local government and facilities. Therefore, the methodology that combines the cascade treatment systems with policy instruments shows important theoretical and pragmatic significance for the multi-dimensional sustainable development of MSW management.