Landfill site selection using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and geographical information system (GIS): A case study in Sardasht, Iran

Landfill is one of the most common methods of waste disposal in developing countries. Determining burial sites is a difficult and complex process in which social, environmental and technical parameters are involved. The purpose of this study is to select a suitable landfill for waste disposal in Sardasht. Materials& Methods: The type of research is a descriptive-analytical research method. Geographic tools and techniques, GIS software, word, and AHP (hierarchical) model have been used in setting up information and calculations in this research. Using GIS software, different layers of information were scored and divided into completely appropriate, appropriate, completely inappropriate and inappropriate categories. Results: Based on the field study, about 61% of the study sites were found to be completely unsuitable for landfilling. Selected locations were scored based on evaluation criteria and compared by weighting these criteria, comparisons were made between them. Then, 20% of the remaining places were considered as a better option. In the end, after reviewing these places, a place was selected as the suggested place. This place is located at a distance of approximately 12 km from Sardasht city, has a suitable side road and slope, which is a suitable distance from the villages and the city, and was selected as a suitable option due to its location outside the aquifer. Conclusion: This study showed that with the help of AHP model and GIS software, a suitable place for landfilling of municipal waste can be selected so that the factors affecting the selection of a suitable place can be applied.