An integrated approach to the feasibility assessment of food waste management options on the premise of using food waste disposers

Abstract With increasing environmental and economic concerns surrounding food waste, this study assesses the feasibility of three food waste management (FWM) scenarios integrating food waste disposers (FWDs). A social cost–benefit analysis (Social CBA) evaluates their economic and environmental impacts while incorporating a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to consider technical, economic, socio-cultural, and environmental factors. Scenario 1 involves shredding household food waste with FWDs, fully discharging it into the sewer system, treated in the public sewage treatment facilities (PSTFs), and converting it into biogas at sewage sludge and organic waste co-digestion facilities (SSECRFs). Scenario 2 also utilizes FWDs but separates food waste into solid and liquid fractions at communal collection and pre-treatment facilities (CCPF), with the solid portion transported to bio-gasification facilities via pressurized pipelines for transporting waste (PPTW). Scenario 3 follows the same separation process as Scenario 2, but the solid fraction is transported using vehicles instead of PPTW. The results indicate that while all scenarios have costs exceeding their respective benefits (BCR < 1), Scenario 1 demonstrates the best economic outlook (BCR = 0.7359) due to lower collection and transportation costs, though its feasibility depends on a separate sewer system. Sensitivity analysis shows Scenario 1 becomes economically viable (BCR > 1) if the value of convenience in life increases by 50%. This study provides a structured evaluation framework to guide policymakers in optimizing sustainable food waste management strategies. Graphical Abstract