Suitable Site Selection for Landfill with the Integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) Methods in Nevşehir

Landfilling is the most ordinary technique used for the disposal of solid waste. Solid waste management is an essential section of city planning due to its immense effect on the economy, ecology and environment of the region. With the increase in urbanization and the desire to live in cities, more waste is produced and unfortunately the waste problem is getting worse rapidly. In this context, the construction of new repository areas in an optimal location is one of the most essential issues of solid waste management. The suitability of a landfill site is often a complex process and relies on various criteria and regulations, due to the simultaneous effects of social, environmental and technical criteria. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) is an important method for decision makers in solving spatial problems such as appropriate site selection. In this study, Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), one of the GIS and MCDM methods, were used in order to select the appropriate site for the solid waste landfill in Nevşehir province. For this purpose, exclusion and evaluation criteria were determined by conducting literature studies and taking expert opinions. By calculating the criterion importance levels with FAHP, a suitability map was produced for the solid waste landfill and up to nine areas were found suitable for storage.