Selection of management option for solid waste from olive oil industry using the analytical hierarchy process

This paper considers the process of selecting a appropriate olive mill solid waste management option in Jordan. Six alternatives were found to be possible options for olive mill solid waste management. Those alternatives are: animal feed, energy recovery, extraction of useful materials, co-combustion, fertilizers, and disposal without treatment. Prioritization of these six alternatives was performed through the analytical hierarchy process. Management options were prioritized based on three criteria: environmental effects, economical benefits, and the technology involved. Priorities given to each of criteria were evaluated through soliciting experts and olive mills owners opinions. Analytical hierarchy process model results revealed that co-combustion option is most favorable followed by the animal feed alternative and lease favorable is disposal without treatment. Sensitivity of the proposed analytical hierarchy process model was addressed as the priorities may change. Model sensitivity analysis showed that our model decision is robust to moderate changes in priorities. Unless the environmental criteria given a very high priority, co-combustion remains as the most favorable management option.