Sustaining regional infrastructure resiliency with externality for plastic waste circularity via geospatially-enhanced P-graph-life cycle optimization framework

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2025-01, Vol.486, p.144413, Article 144413
• Main Authors: Phuang, Zhen Xin, Sang, Kun, Wang, Xue-Chao, You, Fengqi, Woon, Kok Sin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Circular economy; Externalities; Geospatial planning; Life cycle assessment; P-graph optimization; Plastic waste
• ISSN: 0959-6526
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144413

Global Plastic Treaty to end plastic pollution by 2040 expedites the international prevalence of circular plastic waste (PW) economy. Nevertheless, economic free-ridership (i.e., externality cost negligence) and haphazard infrastructure planning of the plastic PW value chain deteriorate the circular PW economy. P-graph optimization tool has recently gained popularity in solving waste-related dilemmas laced with economic concerns, whereas life cycle assessment (LCA) is reputable in assessing the environmental performance of waste management. A novel two-stage optimization framework integrating geospatial allocation assessment for PW facilities and the P-graph-life cycle optimization (P-graph-LCO) is proposed to improve the feasibility of optimal PW management solutions that consider externalities and geospatial restrictions. This study analyzes 97 local authority areas in Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed locations for mechanical recycling plants are the most among other facilities (i.e., 214) with higher suitability grades. Due to externality cost, PW footprints of landfills and incinerators overturn from positive gains to negative losses (−4.6M US$2022 y−1 at maximum). Geospatial sensitivity analysis reveals that electrical substation accessibility affects the location-allocation outcomes of incinerator siting. The proposed landfills with minimum land size in 11 local authority areas succumb to high capacity vulnerability (i.e., 22,557 t PW y−1 ha−1), whereas 100% of the proposed mechanical recycling plants remain below the capacity threshold (194 t PW y−1 ha−1). Given the geospatial limitations of the optimal solutions, including incineration in PW management pathways from the P-graph-LCO method have proven unfeasible. This enhanced framework provides geospatially and socio-economically viable optimal solutions for sustainable PW infrastructure development that is highly integrative for municipality governance. [Display omitted] •Global Plastic Treaty urges circular plastics economy to end plastics pollution.•Economic free-ridership and infrastructure flaws obscure plastic waste circularity.•Geospatially-enhanced P-graph-life cycle optimization framework is developed.•The hybrid framework measures the spatiotemporal tolerance of waste facilities.•Cross-municipality and land use management in waste facility planning is critical.