This paper presents the development, validation and application of a simulation model using a systems dynamics methodology, which allows users and managers to evaluate and analyze scenarios in the context of urban solid waste generation and disposal. The developed model accounts for the following rates and parameters: rate of natural increase (birth rates and death rates), percentage of urban solid waste sent to each type of final disposal site and the amount of waste generated per capita. The simulated scenarios consider three distinct situations: (a) the current scenario with varying rates, (b) the current scenario with fixed rates and (c) a scenario with rates similar to those of the Netherlands. The model was validated through the analysis of future scenarios for a municipality in southern Brazil. Vensim- Ventana Systems was employed for the system modeling and development.
Computational simulation; System Dynamics; Solid waste management; Decision-making process; Solid waste
