Cover
Vol. 20 No. 1 (2026)

Published: April 29, 2026

Pages: 42-59

Research Article

Calculating the Relative Importance of Criteria for Selecting the Optimal Landfill Site Using Fuzzy Logic. Case Study: Safita Landfill Site in Syria

Mohammed Ali Alshamali 1
1 Damascus University Faculty of Civil Engineering
History
  • Received: December 15, 2025
  • Revised: January 10, 2026
  • Accepted: March 8, 2026
  • Available Online: June 30, 2026
DOI

https://doi.org/10.37650/ijce200104

Abstract

Municipal solid waste management in Syria remains primitive in many cases, both in terms of waste collection and disposal methods, particularly in areas that have experienced severe population density due to the war. Waste recycling processes are neglected, and waste is often disposed of in specific plots of land, often far from residential areas. This research aims to identify criteria related to decision-making for selecting the optimal site for a landfill, in line with the local context and Syrian conditions. This was achieved by reviewing several previous studies and interviewing local experts interested in this type of research. (21) criteria were identified and divided into (6) main groups: (environmental criteria, site-related criteria, external and weather conditions, economic and social criteria, and criteria related to sustainable transportation). The relative importance of these criteria was then calculated using the Fuzzy Hierarchy Process (FAHP). After obtaining the weights, these criteria were used to evaluate the current site of the Safita landfill using the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). The evaluation results were very weak due to decision makers' neglect of many factors and conditions that must be met at the selected site. A set of recommendations and proposals were identified for consideration when selecting the optimal site for a landfill, consistent with the local context of the study area (Syria), and for improving existing sites.

Keywords

References

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