Optimizing of Compost Distribution to Green Areas in Viña del Mar, Chile

Abstract

The generation of organic waste (OW) represents one of the major environmental challenges worldwide, mainly due to its contribution to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Several countries have promoted strategies for the valorization of OW through processes such as composting, aiming to reduce its final disposal in landfills. This article proposes the design of a logistics system for distributing compost produced from OW generated at fresh food markets with the objective of minimizing transportation and operational costs. A Mixed-Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model is formulated, integrating multiperiod routing decisions, demand allocation, and operational constraints such as vehicle capacity, service times, and working-hour restrictions. The model is applied to a case study in Vi ̃na del Mar, Chile, considering the distribution of compost to municipal parks and green areas over a planning horizon. Computational experiments are conducted to analyze the behavior of the logistics system as a function of vehicle capacity and key parameters (minimum and maximum demand). Results indicate that it is possible to satisfy the total compost demand required by the considered green areas within the planning horizon when using a single vehicle with capacities greater than 8 tons. These findings highlight the potential of mathematical modeling as a decision-support tool for sustainable OW management at the municipal level, providing insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking efficient and environmentally responsible solutions.