Geospatial Analysis and Route Optimization for Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management in Morogoro Tanzania

This study focuses on enhancing municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in developing countries by integrating advanced geospatial techniques with optimization algorithms. Utilizing Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania as a case study, the research employs GIS-based methods such as Markov chain analysis, suitability modeling, and route optimization to comprehensively address waste generation analysis, facility location, and collection routing. The study identifies significant variations in waste generation across different areas, with Kingolwira, Mazimbu, and Mwembesongo generating the highest volumes. By optimizing collection routes, a 25% reduction in travel distances and an average travel time decrease of 15 minutes per route were achieved. The analysis determined that 13 collection trucks are optimal for managing 988.5 tons of daily waste across 52 routes. Landfill suitability analysis classifies 3,950,532m² as highly suitable for development. These findings demonstrate that integrating GIS-based optimization techniques significantly improves MSWM efficiency and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, and 13. The study recommends the implementation of GIS-based systems, integration of waste management with sustainable urban drainage systems, development of capacity-building programs, and establishment of a monitoring framework. Overall, this research offers a replicable model for developing urban areas and provides practical solutions to enhance sustainability, operational efficiency, and climate resilience in waste management practices.