Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, cilt.44, sa.6, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study was conducted to evaluate different composting methods used in the sustainable management of biodegradable waste. In this context, composting stands out as an effective method for converting organic waste into more environmentally and economically beneficial products. In this study, six different composting methods were evaluated using Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques such as the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), TOPSIS, and VIKOR. These methods were compared based on a total of 22 criteria, including waste reduction and sustainability, carbon footprint and climate contribution, economic value, composting time, space requirements, and labor and equipment demands. The first stage of MCDM methods involves determining the weights of the criteria used in the model by consulting expert opinions. First of all, Consistency Index (CR) and Random Value Index (RI) were calculated using λmax (the largest eigenvalue of the vector) and n (the total number of criteria). Based on these values, Consistency Ratio (CR) coefficients were determined. For the results to be considered reliable, the consistency index (CR) should be less than 0.1. The results indicate that composting with active aeration stands out due to its rapid decomposition process, contribution to sustainability, and ability to support effective microbial activity at high temperatures. This study outlines the key factors to consider when selecting the most suitable method and how criteria and their weights should be evaluated. Furthermore, the multidimensional assessment of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of these methods provides valuable insights for decision-makers in developing sustainable management strategies.