Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 4. Distribution of Customers for Thursday, Juniata Collection - Scenario 1.
However, this research is unable to use these tools for cluster
identification as the lone weighted variable that can be used, amount of waste
per household, is the same for all households (50.0 lbs per household. As a
result, clusters were visually determined. Based on the current data available,
an alternate method to identifying clusters could be based on the amount of
waste to be collected and truck size. Large haulers would get a greater number
of clustered households than mid-sized haulers. In the end, the purpose of this
scenario is to demonstrate how clustering a company's customer base can
potentially reduce miles travelled and collection time.
The improved efficiency scenario determines the maximum number of25
cubic yard solid waste collection trucks needed to service each of the four
collection days. A 25 cubic yard truck was selected to maximize the amount of
solid waste that can be collected which ultimately reduces collection time and
distance traveled. Rather than contract solid waste collection to one or several
companies, officials want to explore the option of the city performing
collection with their own trucks and city workers. This scenario would provide
officials with an approximation of how many trucks are needed to service the
city and the amount of time needed for collection. This scenario was modeled
