Municipal solid waste landfill siting using an integrated GIS-AHP approach: A case study from Songkhla, Thailand

The determination of suitable landfill sites has become indispensable in recent years as the global generation of waste has increased and the use of unsuitable landfill sites results in negative impacts on the ecosystem. This study demonstrates a scientific approach in identifying appropriate landfill sites. The study includes morphological, environmental and socio-economic factors to achieve its objective. Geographic Information System (GIS) and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) were combined in order to analyze data obtained from online portals and government institutions, with a recent study of waste production centres being provided by the Regional Environmental Office. To illustrate the method, a case study from Thailand was used. Expert judgement was solicited over 13 landfill site selection criteria. This study identified an area of 560.59 ha as very highly suitable for landfill sites, 993.19 ha as highly suitable and 180.72 ha as moderately suitable, with the remaining parts of the study area being unsuitable for landfill sites. This research has the potential to influence future waste management policies by assisting stakeholders in landfill siting in a manner that reduces negative impacts on the environment.