Integrating GIS and multi-criteria decision analysis with waste stream characterization for sustainable municipal solid waste disposal site selection: a novel framework applied to Shire town, Ethiopia

Abstract The scientific selection of disposal locations is critical for sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) management. While Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) are widely used approaches, little research explicitly includes quantitative waste stream characterization into spatial decision-making. This study proposes a novel usage for Shire town, Ethiopia, that combines extensive MSW analysis with the GIS-Based Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Primary data from 193 households revealed an average generation rate of 0.37 kg/capita/day, with a 52.4% biodegradable proportion (35.8% food waste) and a bulk density of 263.5 kg/m 3 . These localized characteristics directly influenced the AHP model to prioritize environmental conservation. AHP weights revealed land use land cover (27.88%) and soil type (20.00%) as the most relevant criteria, highlighting the importance of mitigating leachate risks from high organic loads. A subsequent weighted overlay analysis of nine thematic layers found that just 55.58 hectares (1.3%) of the study area, primarily in the northern region of the town, was highly suitable for landfill development. In contrast, 56.8% (2,375.88 ha) was classed as moderately suitable, while 7.9% (329.57 ha) was deemed unsuitable due to health and environmental concerns. The selected location strikes the ideal balance between accessibility and environmental safety. This study shows that using localized waste composition data improves spatial findings and provides a repeatable framework for sustainable waste management planning in rapidly urbanizing metropolitan regions.