Geospatial technology for selecting suitable sites for solid waste disposal: a case study of Shone town, central Ethiopia

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to choose appropriate solid waste disposal sites based on environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and socially responsible factors using geospatial technology. To achieve the study’s objectives, factor maps such as slope, settlement, road, stream, land use/land cover, geology, borehole, protected area, and soil maps were used and prepared using GIS. The most appropriate solid waste disposal sites were identified and categorized as highly suitable, suitable, less suitable, or unsuitable using a weighted linear combination (WLC) analysis. Through ArcMap overlay analysis, the final suitability map was created. The AHP pairwise comparison module helped establish the weight of factor parameters. The findings reveal that out of the total area, 51.32 hectares are highly suitable, 54.86 hectares are suitable, 34.99 hectares are less suitable, and 3171.22 hectares are unsuitable for solid waste disposal. The use of GIS and remote sensing data has allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors and their weighted importance, resulting in a final suitability map that can guide decision-makers in selecting appropriate sites for solid waste disposal. In conclusion, the study provides a practical solution to the problem of solid waste disposal by using geospatial technology.