Optimizing Waste Transfer Station Siting in Kabul Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis

Efficient siting of waste transfer stations is vital for reducing operational costs, improving recycling outcomes, and minimizing environmental impacts in rapidly urbanizing cities like Kabul. Despite the Kabul Urban Design Framework (KUDF, 2018) identifying nine proposed locations for transfer stations, not a single facility has been implemented, largely due to financial limitations and uncertainty over the technical suitability of those sites which resulted in delays in implementation of transfer stations and inefficient sorting and hauling of waste to the Gazak 2 landfill limiting recycling efforts and landfill diversion due to mixed and contaminated waste. This study applies a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework, incorporating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Weighted Linear Combination (WLC), to identify spatially optimal locations for waste transfer stations in Kabul. Four criteria—proximity to main roads, residential areas, water bodies, and terrain slope—were evaluated and weighted using expert input. Results show that only 18.16% of Kabul’s land is highly suitable for transfer station siting, with buildings and roads being the most influential factors. When overlaid with the KUDF-proposed sites, six of nine were found to be located within suitable or highly suitable zones. The remaining sites require further reassessment due to proximity to sensitive areas or infrastructural constraints. The findings highlight the critical role of spatial decision support in addressing implementation delays and improving solid waste logistics. This study provides a replicable framework and practical guidance for Kabul Municipality and other cities facing similar challenges in optimizing waste management infrastructure.