Selection strategy of medical waste collection and transportation modes based on simulation and entropy method

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental performance of different vehicle operation strategies for medical waste collection and transportation in Beijing's Huairou District, within the context of global climate change and carbon emission reduction. Design/methodology/approach A simulation model was developed using AnyLogic software to simulate three vehicle operation strategies: fossil fuel vehicles (FFVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and a mixed strategy combining FFVs and BEVs. These strategies were comprehensively evaluated by using the entropy method through the Stata software. The three evaluation indexes considered were carbon emissions, transportation costs, and fixed costs. Findings The results indicate that the BEV strategy demonstrates superior overall performance, achieving a good balance between environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Although the mixed strategy is not as efficient as BEVs, it can effectively supplement the BEV strategy. The FFV strategy, despite its lower initial investment, has higher long-term operating costs and environmental burdens, which makes it less sustainable in the context of low-carbon development. Originality/value This study provides novel insights into the application of sustainable vehicle operation strategies for medical waste management in Beijing, especially in the context of the transition to a low-carbon economy. It offers valuable insights into the transition from FFVs to BEVs and proposes an incremental strategy for the adoption of BEVs, addressing the practical challenges of full vehicle replacement in the real situation. It also provides a reference for the collection and transportation of medical waste in similar cities.