Establishment of Waste Network for sustainable solid waste
management planning and promotion of integrated decision
tools in the Balkan Region (BALKWASTE)
LIFE07/ENV/RO/686
ACTION 5: Development of decision support software tool
Trial Application & Validation of the DSS Tool:
Region of Crete
October 2011
NTUA
Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology
Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
Table of Contents
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………3
General Data…………………………………………………………………………………...3
Study Data……………………………………………………………………………………..3
Study Data Processing - Results………………………………………………………………4
Legislation Aims (Tab: Targets)………………………………………………………………5
Study Data……………………………………………………………………………………..6
Study Data Processing - Results………………………………………………………………6
Capacity of Existing Facilities for Solid Waste Management (Tab: Waste Management
Facilities)………………………………………………………………………………………7
Study Data…………………………………………………………………………………….7
Study Data Processing - Results………………………………………………………………9
Capacity of New Installations for Solid Waste Management (Tab: Waste Management
Facilities)……………………………………………………………………………………..12
Alternative Scenario Setup (Tab: Scenarios)………………………………………………...13
Study Data……………………………………………………………………………………13
Study Data Processing - Results……………………………………………………………..14
1st Scenario…………………………………………………………………………………..14
2nd Scenario………………………………………………………………………………….15
Comparison of Alternative Scenarios Results………………………………………………..17
Conclusions – Proposals……………………………………………………………………...18
2
NTUA
Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology
Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
Introduction
The rationale and the validity of the results calculated for the case of Crete will be explored within the
application of the Decision Support Software Tool developed within the BALKWASTE project. In
this context, the values of the respective sizes of a recent study on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in
this region will be used as data input.1
The main objective of the trial is to compare the results between the data 'output' of the software and
the corresponding results of the study regarding the implementation of two (2) groups of alternative
waste management scenarios. These scenarios which were developed in the preparation of the study
are outlined below. Please note that the trial solely refers to the quantities of Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) and does not extend to 'special' waste streams (sewage waste water, industrial waste).
General Area Data
The data input relating to the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of MSW, as well as data on
demographics of the study area (Region of Crete) will be analysed. In the first phase the elements
required for the determination of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of MSW and
demographic data of the study area will be identified in the text of the study. Subsequently, these data
will be processed to obtain a form suitable (compatible) for input to the software.
Study Data
The quantities whose numerical values will be the primary data which, after processing will be
introduced as initial conditions to the software will be described first. These quantities and the
corresponding values are the following:



Produced quantities of MSW in 2009 in tonnes (tn)2:
o Regional section of Chania: 94,326;
o Regional section of Rethymno: 51,715;
o Regional section of Iraklio: 196,516;
o Regional section Lassithi 55,170 and
o Total Region of Crete: 397,727.
Provision for MSW production for 2011 in tonnes (t): 409.7483.
Qualitative composition of MSW (reference years 2003 - 2004)4:
o Food Waste (Organic): 39.15%
o Paper - Cardboard: 19.94%
o Plastic: 16.85%
1
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010.
2
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.5.
3
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.29.
4
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.8.
3
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o Ferrous Metals: 3.51%
o Aluminium: 1.44%
o Inert: 2.67%
o Glass: 5.33%
o Leather - Wood - Textile - Other: 5.44% (Woods: 1.36%5) and
o Residue: 5.65%.
 Percentage participation of packaging on the qualitative composition of MSW: 27.50%6.
 Percentage participation of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (Organic, Paper - Cardboard and
Wood) on the qualitative composition of MSW: 60.45%7.
 Population based on Census 2001 (residents):
o Regional section of Chania: 150,317;
o Regional section of Rethymno: 81,936;
o Regional section of Iraklio: 292,489;
o Regional section Lassithi 76,319 and
o Total Region of Crete: 601,131.
 Population growth in the decade 2001 - 2011: 3%.
 Qualitative composition of MSW (reference years 2003 - 2004) with further breakdown in
waste from packaging and non packaging:
o Food Waste (Organic): 39.15%
o Paper - Cardboard: 14.95%
o Paper - Cardboard (packaging): 4.99%
o Plastic: 5.05%
o Plastics (packaging): 11.80%
o Metals: 0.99%
o Metals (packaging): 3.96%
o Glass: 0.27%
o Glass (packaging): 5.06%
o Wood: 0.95%
o Wood (packaging): 0.41%
o Other: 12.42% which is the sum of the following components:
 Inert: 2.67%
 Leather - Textile - Other: 4.10% and
 Misc: 5.65%.
Data Processing - Results
Data processing refers to some preliminary calculations that aim at transforming the study
data in a format compatible for 'entry' to the software. The secondary data and the
corresponding processing of the primary data are described below:
5
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.9.
6
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.9.
7
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.9.
4
NTUA
Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology

Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
Annual percentage increase in MSW generation.
Given the annual production of MSW in 2009 and estimate for the year 2011, the
annual percentage growth rate of MSW production is:
1 409.748  397.729

 1,015% ie 1.015%.
2
409.748
Population in 2011 (residents).
Given the ten-year population growth and absolute population in 2001, the population
of the Region in 2011 will be given by the following relationship:
1

(Population Census 2001) x (Ten-year Growth Rate + 1)
The corresponding data at Regional level and for the whole of the region are as
follows:
o Regional section of Chania: 154,827;
o Regional section of Rethymno: 84,394;
o Regional section of Iraklio: 301,264;
o Regional section Lassithi 78,609 and
o Total Region of Crete: 619,165 inhabitants.
However, in this case the provisional census of 2011 relating to a permanent
population8 will be taken as 'entry' to the software. According to these data, the
corresponding figures are updated to:

o Regional section of Chania: 156,220;
o Regional section of Rethymno: 85,160;
o Regional section of Iraklio: 304,270;
o Regional section Lassithi 75,690 and
o Total Region of Crete: 621,340 inhabitants.
Per capita production of MSW in the year 2011 in kgr.
Given the total population and the total quantity produced in 2011, per capita production of
MSW is:
409.748.000kgr
kgr
or 1,807 kgr / (residents and day).
 1,807
621.340hab  365days
hab  day
Objectives of Legislation
In order to calculate the quantities of MSW against which the processing units will be sized in each
applicable scenario, the quantification of objectives is required which, under the lower allowable
limits set by the relevant legislation, should achieve full compliance with institutional rules. In the
8
http://www.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE/BUCKET/A1602/PressReleases/A1602_SAM01_DT_DC_00_
2011_01_F_GR.pdf [Accessed 21-10-2011].
5
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
first phase the quantified objectives of the study for the separate collection of organic fraction
(Separation at source), the separate collection of target-materials in packages ('blue' bucket) and the
separate collection of recyclable target-materials both from packaging and non-packaging (Separation
at source).
Study Data
According to the text of the study and with reference to the separate collection of organic fraction by
applying Separation-at-source programs, the achievement of the following targets9 is proposed:


Separate collection rate of 20% by weight of organic (food waste) by 2015
Separate collection rate of 35% by weight of organic (food waste) by 2020.
Regarding the separate sorting of target-materials in packages ('blue' bucket), the text of the study sets
the following quantified objectives:


Separate collection rate of 50% by weight of packaging waste by 2015
Separate collection rate of 60% by weight of packaging waste by 2020, where individual
targets per material-target10 refer to:
o 60%, by weight for paper and paperboard
o 60%, by weight for wood,
o 80%, by weight for glass;
o 50%, by weight for metals and
o 60%, by weight for plastics.
Regarding the separate sorting of recyclable target-materials (not packages) via application programs
Separation-at-source, the text of the study sets the following quantified objectives11:


Separate collection rate of 30% of printed paper waste by 2015
Separate collection rate of 50% of printed paper waste by 2020.
Quantified targets for other types of recyclable target-materials for non-packaging are not included in
the study.
Data Processing - Results
The introduction of quantified objectives in the software is set to reference year 2020 and there is no
provision for the capability of the scalar change for targets established in distinct time
horizons. Therefore, the objectives of the study relating to 2015 are being neglected and only those
listed for 2020 are taken into consideration. In particular, following the introduction of targets in the
software the following results were generated:
9
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.44.
10
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.44.
11
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 2: Non-Technical Summary, p.45.
6
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
 Under the law on recycling packaging, where the overall goal dictates that at least 60% by
weight of packaging waste will be recycled, the introduction of the study data showed that the
targets over-satisfy the target set by law. Specifically, it's true:
62,69%  60,00%

According to the legislation on recycling of target-material (packaging and non packaging),
where the overall goal dictates that at least 50% by weight of such materials will be recycled
and combined with the rate of separate collection of the organic fraction, the introduction of
study data showed that the targets fall short of the targets set by the law as it applies:
42,26%  50,00%
However, this finding only applies to cases where the threshold for recycling of nonpackaging has been set to 30% by weight (software baseline). For these materials, the study
provides quantification of the target only for the printed paper. Therefore in order to meet this
target (50.00%), the individual recycling targets, by Separation-at-source or through central
facilities, for recyclable target-materials have to be at least on a par with their respective
targets for recycling packaging waste, that is:
o
o
o
o
o
60%, by weight for wood,
80%, by weight for glass;
50%, by weight for metals;
60%, by weight for plastics and
60%, by weight for the rest.
In this case, the relevant objective is met since:
50,81%  50,00%
Capacity of Existing Solid Waste Management Facilities
The consultation relates to recording the type and capacity of the solid waste management facilities
that currently12 operate in the Region of Crete. These facilities do not include the uncontrolled
disposal of solid waste and considered that there are no landfills in extension or in planning for future
expansion.
Study Data
Existing facilities will be allocated to facilities for safe disposal (ie landfill sites) and to processing
facilities at Regional Unit Level with 2009 as reference year. Specifically, existing facilities and their
respective capacities are:

12
In 2009, the Regional Unit of Chania produced a total of 94.326tn MSW, which were led to
the following facilities for treatment and safe disposal:
October 2011
7
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o Mechanical Recycling and Composting Plant (EMAK) with a capacity of 70.000 tn /
year of mixed MSW13. During the trial operation of software the assumption was
made that EMAK operating at full capacity.
o Sanitary Residues Landfill (Korakia Akrotiriou landfill), adjacent to EMAK with an
estimated lifetime of 2 years (base year 2011), which in 2009 received 25.341tn
MSW14.
o waste landfill (Pelekanos landfill) with an estimated lifetime 1 year (base year 2011),
which in 2009 received 2.800tn MSW15.
 In 2009, the Regional Unit of Rethymno produced a total of 51.715tn MSW, which was led to
the following facilities for treatment and safe disposal:
o Mechamical Recycling and Composting Plant (EMAK) with a capacity of 3.815 tn /
year of packaging waste. The quantity is part of the treatment capacity of EMAK.
o waste landfill (landfill of Amari) with an estimated time span of 10 months (base year
2011), which in 2009 received 47.900tn MSW16.
 In 2009, the Regional Unit of Heraklion generated a total of 197.016tn MSW, which was led
to the following facilities for treatment and safe disposal:
o Heraklion Waste Pretreatment Unit (Vioxiransis) with a treatment capacity of
75.000tn/year mixed MSW17. During the trial operation of software the assumption
was made that this unit operates at full capacity.
o Recycling Material Sorting Facility (KDAY) of Heraklion with a treatment capacity
of 25.000tn packaging waste18. In 2009 this unit treated 18.915tn.
o waste landfill (Pera Galinon Landfill) with an estimated life 7 months (base year
2011), which in 2009 received 55.696tn MSW19.
o waste landfill (Akrotiri landfill) with an estimated lifetime 3 years (base year 2011),
which in 2009 received 30.738tn MSW20.
13
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.10.
14
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.7.
15
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.7.
16
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.8.
17
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.11.
18
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.11.
19
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.8.
20
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.8.
8
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o waste landfill (Kazantzakis landfill) with an estimated lifespan 4 years (base year
2011), which in 2009 received 14.081tn MSW including quantities of MSW produced
in the municipalities and Thrapsanou Arkalochori21.
o waste landfill (Viannou landfill) with an estimated lifetime 1 year (base year 2011),
which in 2009 received 2.586tn MSW22.
 In 2009, the Regional Unit of Lassithi generated 178.101tn total MSW, which was led to the
following facilities for treatment and safe disposal:
o Recycling Material Sorting Centre (KDAY) of Heraklion with a treatment capacity
25.000tn packaging waste. In 2009 this unit treated 1.525tn packaging waste
originating from the region of Lassithi.
o waste landfill (Agios Nikolaos landfill) with an estimated lifetime 3 years (base year
2011), which in 2009 received 43.507tn MSW, including respective quantities of
Municipalities Makrigialos, Ierapetra and the Community of Vrachasiou23.
o waste landfill (Sitia landfill) with an estimated life span 18 months (base year 2011),
which in 2009 received 10.154tn MSW24.
Data Processing - Results
The processing of these data to convert sizes to a format compatible with data-entry 'in the
software. Given that, as the reference year 2009 were taken into account, the extrapolation to year
2011 and in subsequent years will be based on the annual growth rate of MSW for the Region of Crete
(1.015%).
With regard to landfill, the processing procedure refers to the transformation of the estimated
remaining life in a cell capacity (in cubic meters). During the processing of the data the following
assumption were made:

Final Landfill cell density: 700
kgr
m3
Therefore, for each Regional Unit, the capacities of existing facilities will be:

Regional Unit of Chania:
o Mechanical Recycling and Composting Plant (EMAK) with a capacity of 70.000
tn / year of mixed MSW.
o Sanitary Residues Landfill (Korakia Akrotiriou landfills), adjacent to EMAK. In
the year 2011 accepted quantity of MSW:
21
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.8.
22
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.9.
23
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.9.
24
NTUA, School of Chemical Engineering, “Research and Study for the Updating of the Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of the Region of Crete”, Unit of Environmental Science & Technology, December 2010,
Chapter 7: Proposals for the management of Solid Waste, p.9.
9
NTUA
Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology
Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
25.341  1,015 2  26.107tn
Consequently, for an estimated life 2 years (2012 and 2013), the residual capacity
and residual volume of cells are:
26.107  1,015  26.107  1,015 2  53.392tn and
53.392
 76.274m 3
0,7
respectively.
o
waste landfill (Pelekanos landfill). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of MSW:
2.800  1,015 2  2.885tn
Consequently, for an estimated time span of 10 months (0.8333 years), the
residual capacity and residual volume of cells are:
2.885  1,015  2.885  1,015 2  5.900tn and
5.900
 8.429m 3
0,7
respectively.
Overall, the remaining landfill capacity for the region of Chania is 84.703m 3 .

Regional Unit of Rethymno:
o waste landfill (Pelekanos landfill). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of MSW:
47.900  1,015 2  49.348tn
Consequently, for an estimated time span of 10 months (0.8333 years), the
residual capacity and residual volume of cells are:
49.348  1,015  0,8333  41.739tn and
41.739
 59.626m 3
0,7
respectively.
Overall, the remaining landfill capacity for the region of Rethymno is 59.626m 3 .

Regional Unit of Iraklio:
o Waste Pretreatment Unit (Vioxiransis) of Heraklion with a treatment capacity of
75.000tn/year mixed MSW.
o Recycling Material Sorting Facility (KDAY) of Heraklion, with a capacity of
25.000 tn / year of waste packaging.
o waste landfill (Pera Galinon Landfill). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of
MSW:
55.696  1,015 2  57.379tn
Consequently, for an estimated life 7 months (0.5833 years), the
residual capacity and residual volume of cells are:
10
NTUA
Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology
Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
57.379  1,015  0,5833  33.971tn and
33.971
 48.530m 3
0,7
respectively.
o
waste landfill (Hersonisos landfill ). In the year 2011 accepted a quantity of
MSW:
30.738  1,015 2  31.667tn
Consequently, for an estimated lifetime 3 years, the residual capacity
and residual volume of cells are:
31.667  1,015  31.667  1,015 2  31.667  1,0153  97.880tn and
97.880
 139.828m 3
0,7
respectively.
o
waste landfill (Kazantzakis landfill ). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of
MSW:
14.081  1,015 2  14.507tn
Consequently, for an estimated lifespan 4 years, the residual capacity and residual
volume of cells are:
14.507  1,015  14.507  1,015 2  14.507  1,0153  14.507  1,015 4  60.237tn
and
60.237
 86.053m 3
0,7
respectively.
o
waste landfill (Viannou landfill ). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of MSW:
2.586  1,015 2  2.664tn
Consequently, for an estimated lifespan 1 year, residual capacity and residual
volume of cells are:
2.664  1,015  2.704tn and
2.704
 3.863m 3
0,7
respectively.
Overall, the remaining landfill capacity for the region of Heraklion is
278.274m 3 .

Regional Unit of Lassithi
11
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o waste landfill (Agios Nikolaos landfill ). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of
MSW:
43.507  1,015 2  44.822tn
Consequently, for an estimated lifetime 3 years, the residual capacity and residual
volume of cells are:
44.822  1,015  44.822  1,015 2  44.822  1,0153  138.540tn
and
138.540
 197.915m 3
0,7
respectively.
o
waste landfill (Pera Galinon Landfill). In the year 2011 accepted quantity of
MSW:
55.696  1,015 2  57.379tn
Consequently, for an estimated life 18 months (1.5 years), the residual capacity
and residual volume of cells are:
10.154  1,015  1,5  15.459tn
And
15.459
 22.085m 3
0,7
respectively.
Overall the residual capacity of landfills for the region of Lassithi is 220.000m 3 .
Aggregated for the whole of Crete existing facilities safe disposal (landfill) and processing of MSW
and the corresponding capacities are:




Mechanical Recycling and Composting Plant (EMAK) with a capacity of 70.000 tn / year
of mixed MSW.
Waste Pretreatment Unit (Vioxiransis) of Heraklion with a capacity of 75.000tn/year
mixed MSW.
Recycling Material Sorting Facility (KDAY) of Heraklion, with a capacity of 25.000 tn /
year of waste packaging.
landfill sites with remaining capacity of cells.
Capacity of New Facilities of Solid Waste Management
According to the estimates of the software and using the available data for existing facilities, the
capacities of the new or under expansion facilities should be:
12
NTUA
Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
 In order to manage the pre-sorted organic fraction of MSW (separation-at-source programs),
the construction of a facility or facilities of total capacity of 61.261tn/year is required.
 In order to manage pre-sorted packaging waste ('blue' bin or application of separation-atsource programs) of MSW, the construction of a facility or facilities of total capacity
48.244tn/year is required.
 For the management of mixed MSW ('green' bin) the construction of a facility or facilities of
total capacity of 75.765tn/year is required.
Configuration of Alternative Scenarios
Based on the study carried out for the Region of Crete, there were two alternative scenarios for
MSW. The first of these involved a modified application of the approved Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan of Crete, while the second proposed MSW management autonomy by Regional
Unit (formerly District), characterized by the development of a central unit for energy recovery.
Study Data
Specifically, the type and capacity of proposed facilities covered by each scenario are:


For the first proposed scenario:
o For the region of Chania, expanding the capacity of EMAK (70.000tn/year existing
capacity) so that it can handle on an annual basis the following amounts:
 13.500tn of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting
 18.500tn of packaging waste for recycling and
 4.000tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
 Construction of biological treatment capacity 2.000tn/year which will accept
amounts of pre-sorted organic fraction.
o For the region of Rethymnon, construction of a Mechanical and Biological Treatment
Unit with a capacity such that it can handle an annual basis the following amounts:
 8.500tn of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting
 10.000tn of packaging waste for recycling and
 40.500tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
o For the region of Iraklio:
 Continuation of the operation of the pretreatment unit (Vioxiransis) of
capacity of 75.000tn/year in mixed MSW.
 Expansion of the capacity of KDAY by 13.500tn/year of packaging waste.
 Construction of the Energy Exploitation Unit for the combustion of SRF
produced by the pretreatment unit (Vioxiransis) and the incineration of mixed
MSW. The Energy Exploitation Unit will have a total capacity
122.500tn/year.
 Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity of 28.000tn/year.
 Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity 4.000tn/year.
o For the region of Lassithi, construction of a biological treatment unit with a capacity
of 9.000tn/year.
For the second proposed scenario:
o For the region of Chania, expansion of the capacity of EMAK (70.000tn/year existing
capacity) so that it can handle on an annual basis the following amounts:
 13.500tn of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting
 18.500tn of packaging waste for recycling and
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Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
 4.000tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
 Construction of biological treatment facility with a capacity of 2.000tn/year
which will accept amounts of pre-sorted organic fraction.
o For the region of Rethymnon construction of Mechanical and Biological Treatment
Unit with a capacity such that it can handle on an annual basis the following amounts:
 8.500tn of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting
 10.000tn of packaging waste for recycling and
 40.500tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
o For the region of Iraklio:
 Development of the Mechanical and Biological Treatment Unit with a
capacity such that it can handle annually 80.000tn mixed MSW for recycling
and composting.
 Continuation of the operation of the pretreatment (Vioxiransis) Unit with a
capacity of 75.000tn/year in mixed MSW.
 Expansion of the capacity of the KDAY by 13.000tn/year packaging waste.
 Construction of the Energy Exploitation Unit for the incineration of waste
and RDF produced by all plants of the region other than that of the region of
Chania and the amount of SRF produced at the pretreatment (Vioxiransis)
unit. The Energy Exploitation Unit will have a total capacity 170.000tn/year.
 Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity of 28.000tn/year.
 Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity of 4.000tn/year.
o For the region of Lassithi
 Construction of the Mechanical and Biological Treatment Unit with a
capacity such that it can handle on an annual basis the following amounts:
 10.000tn of packaging waste for recycling and
 43.500tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting
 Construction of Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity of 9.000tn/year.
Data Processing - Results
The processing procedure refers to the transformation of the capacity of the proposed units in plant
capacity capable to process the following types of MSW streams:



pre-sorted organic fraction from separation-at-source programs
pre-sorted packaging waste from either separation-at-source programs, or from the existing
collection infrastructure ('blue' bin) and
Mixed waste from the existing collection infrastructure ('green' bin).
1st Scenario
Specifically, for the first scenario and for each Regional Unit the following were proposed:

For the region of Chania:
o Expansion of processing capacities of EMAK by:
 13.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
 18.500tn/year of packaging waste and
 4.000tn/year of mixed MSW.
o Construction of biological treatment facility with a capacity of 2.000tn/year which
will accept amounts of pre-sorted organic fraction.
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Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
Namely, the additional capacity requirements for the region of Chania refer by:


o 15.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
o 18.500tn/year of packaging waste and
o 4.000tn/year of mixtures.
For the region of Rethymnon:
o Construction of the Mechanical & Biological Treatment Unit with a treatment
capacity of:
 8.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
 10.000tn/year of packaging waste and
 40.500tn/year of mixed MSW.
For the region of Heraklion:
o Energy Exploitation Unit with a capacity of 122.500tn/year mixed MSW.
o Extension of KDAY in Heraklion by a 23.500tn/year capacity for processing of
packaging waste.
o Biological Treatment Units with a total capacity of 32.000tn/year to process presorted organic fraction.
Namely, the additional capacity requirements for the region of Heraklion refers to:
 32.000tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
 23.500tn/year of packaging waste and
 122.500tn/year of mixed MSW with energy recovery.
 For the region of Lassithi the construction of a biological treatment unit is proposed with the
capacity to process 9.000tn/year pre-sorted organic fraction.
Overall in the first scenario for the whole of Crete the additional capacities relate to treatment of:



65.000tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting (Scenario 1a) or energy recovery
(Scenario 1b).
52.000tn/year of pre-sorted packaging waste for recycling
167.000tn/year mixed waste for MBT (by 26.65%) and for Energy Utilization (by 73.35%),
namely:
o 44.500tn/year mixed waste for mechanical (recycling) and biological treatment
(Scenario 1a: Composting or Scenario 1b: Energy Recovery).
o 122.500tn/year mixed waste for energy recovery.
The residue of plant treatment are led to the Energy Exploitation Unit (they have been included in its
capacity) and to residue landfill.
2nd Scenario
For the second scenario and for each Regional Unit the following were proposed:

For the region of Chania:
o Expansion of processing capacities EMAK by:
 13.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
 18.500tn/year of packaging waste and
 4.000tn/year of mixed MSW.
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Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o Construction of biological treatment facility with a capacity of 2.000tn/year which
will accept amounts of pre-sorted organic fraction.
Namely, the additional capacity requirements for the region of Chania refer to:


o 15.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
o 18.500tn/year of packaging waste and
o 4.000tn/year of mixed MSW.
For the region of Rethymnon:
o Construction of the Mechanical & Biological Treatment Unit with a treatment
capacityof:
 8.500tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
 10.000tn/year of packaging waste and
 40.500tn/year of mixed MSW.
For the region of Heraklion:
o Energy Exploitation Unit with a 170.000tn/year capacity for processing residues.
o Extension of KDAY in Heraklion by a 23.000tn/year capacity for processing of
packaging waste.
o Biological Treatment Units with a capacity to process 32.000tn/year of pre-sorted
organic fraction.
o Construction of the Mechanical and Biological Treatment Unit with a capacity such
that it can handle annually 80.000tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
Namely, the additional capacity requirements for the region of Heraklion refer to:
o 32.000tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
o 23.000tn/year of packaging waste
o 80.000tn/year of mixed MSW and
o ΧΧΧtn / year of residue for energy recovery.
 For the region of Lassithi:
o Construction of the Mechanical and Biological Treatment Unit with a capacity such
that it can handle on an annual basis the following amounts:
 10.000tn of packaging waste for recycling and
 43.500tn of mixed MSW for recycling and composting.
o Construction of Biological Treatment Plant with a capacity to process 9.000tn/year
pre-sorted organic fraction.
Namely, the additional capacity requirements for the region of Lassithi refer to:
o 9.000tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction,
o 10.000tn/year of packaging waste and
o 43.500tn/year of mixed MSW.
Overall, in the second scenario for the whole of Crete additional capacities relate to the treatment of:



75.000tn/year of pre-sorted organic fraction for composting (Scenario 2a) or energy recovery
(Scenario 2b).
61.500tn/year of pre-sorted packaging waste for recycling
338.000tn/year mixed waste for MBT (by 49.70%) and for Energy Exploitation (by 51.30%),
namely:
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Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
o 168.000tn/year mixed waste for mechanical (recycling) and biological treatment
(Scenario 2a: Composting or Scenario 2b: Energy Recovery).
o 170.000tn/year SRF, RDF and residue for energy recovery.
The remains of the pre-sorted organic units and the KDAY will end up at residue landfill.
Results Comparison of Alternative Scenarios
The benchmarking process involved four scenarios (1a, 1b, 2a and 2b). The differentiation per pair of
Scenarios (1a and 1b) and (2a and 2b) involves choosing the type of biological treatment (composting
or anaerobic digestion) for the treatment of both the pre-sorted organic fraction, and the organic
residue of mixed MSW. Regarding the weighting of criteria the values proposed by the software in the
interface (Tab) entitled 'Criteria Weighting' were selected.
The results of the comparison are displayed in the visual interface (Tab) entitled 'Multicriteria
Analysis'. According to them, between the options of aerobic and anaerobic degradation per pair of
scenarios, prevalent are the scenarios where the organic fraction is treated by aerobic treatment
(Scenarios 1a and 2a respectively compared to Scenarios 1b and 2b). In addition, between the options
for energy recovery unit for direct thermal processing of mixed MSW (Scenarios 1a and 1b) or
indirect-fired units of products of other facilities (heat treatment SRF / RDF and residues in Scenarios
2a and 2b), the second is the most prevalent group of scenarios.
Overall, the evaluation of scenarios gives the following results:




1st Scenario 2a
o pre-sorted organic fraction to aerobic degradation,
o pre-sorted packaging waste to mechanical sorting,
o mixed MSW to mechanical - biological treatment and
o SRF / RDF and residues to energy recovery.
2nd Scenario 2b
o pre-sorted organic fraction to anaerobic digestion,
o pre-sorted packaging waste to mechanical sorting,
o mixed MSW to mechanical - biological treatment and
o SRF / RDF and residues to energy recovery.
3rd Scenario 1a
o pre-sorted organic fraction to aerobic degradation,
o pre-sorted packaging waste to mechanical sorting,
o mixed MSW to energy recovery and
o SRF / RDF and residues to energy recovery.
4th Scenario 1b
o pre-sorted organic fraction to aerobic degradation,
o pre-sorted packaging waste to mechanical sorting,
o mixed MSW to energy recovery and
o SRF / RDF and residues to energy recovery.
The above results in the evaluation of the scenarios are in full agreement with the corresponding
results of the study.
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Unit of Environmental
Science and Technology
Trial Application of the DSS
Tool
Region of Crete
Conclusions - Suggestions
The findings of the trial operation of the software 'Decision Support Tool v1' focus on three (3) areas
of objective assessment relating to the functionality of use of the software, the rational basis of
calculations and results and finally the processing load and the transformation of data into numeric
'input' values for the software.
Specifically, as far as the functionality of the software is concerned, at each user interface (Tab) the
following issues were identified:



The 'General' interface:
o In the 'Waste Composition' there is a malfunction with the introduction of data
quality composition of MSW in a form with more than two decimal
places. Specifically, for the case where all the relevant values given in decimal form,
although the sum is validated (100%), the word 'error' appears in the cumulative rates
of biodegradable municipal waste (Biodegradable Municipal Waste (%)) and of
packaging waste (Packaging Waste (%)). This malfunction extends to the interface
'Targets' where the quantities to be diverted from landfills are not calculated.
The 'Waste Management Facilities' interface:
o In the field no.13 'Landfill Capacity' a correlation between longevity of a landfill and
a landfill capacity in cubic feet is not provided. The item could reflect the time
horizon of operation of the landfill in the light of MSW management during the
formulation of transitional stage (for this case for the years leading to 2020).
The 'Scenarios' interface:
o In the field no.14 ' Scenarios' Formulation’ in the case of a scenario where one of two
treatment technologies of mixed MSW refers to energy use ('incineration'), it does not
allow a different choice in the allocation of quantities of SRF / RDF and residue (e.g..
'waste to energy' as anaerobic treatment or 'landfill' in order for disposal in residue
landfills).
o In the field no.14 'Scenarios' Formulation', in the case of a scenario of management of
mixed MSW, there is not a choice of selecting more than two installations of the
same or different types. For example, in the case of Crete, in the second series of
scenarios (2a and 2b) the option provided by the software involves the aggregation of
the capacity of individual units of mechanical - biological treatment which may
adversely affect the economies of scale (4 units of the same type with a capacity of A
tn / year each have different technoeconomic characteristics from a unit of the same
type with capacity 4A tn / year).
o In the field no.14 'Scenarios' Formulation' there is no distinction for the case where a
plant mechanical - biological treatment receives a stream of pre-sorted packaging
waste. The option is provided by the software only if the stream is processed in a
mechanical separation ('MRF')plant and not in a mechanical - biological treatment
('MBT') one. This item is the subject of investigation given the differences between
KDAY and mechanical recycling plant on technical and operational parameters.
As to the rational basis of calculations and results of the software during the evaluation process, the
conclusions are considered valid and correct in the light of the following:
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Trial Application of the DSS
Unit of Environmental
Tool
Science and Technology
Region of Crete
 The technologies related to aerobic degradation (mainly) and mechanical - biological
treatment (secondarily) outweigh environmentally, economically and socially the heat
treatment technologies.
 The assessment of thermal treatment technologies is advantageous when processing
secondary waste (products of processing of primary MSW: SRF / RDF and residue) compared
to the direct treatment of mixed MSW.
 The technologies related to aerobic degradation outweigh environmentally and economically
the anaerobic digestion technologies.
On this basis, the rational basis for the evaluation of results depends strongly on the weighting, which
contains the subjective factor (change of the significance levels) in the weighting of five (5) main
groups of criteria.
As to the processing load and transformation of data into numeric 'input' values to the software, they
strongly depend on the level of completeness of the study (or studies) taken into account when
processing the data and transforming them into a format compatible with their respective
fields required by the software. In this context, the use of the software is recommended as a mean of
verification - validation of the validity of a study, both macroscopically, and on the quantification of
the recycling targets under the legislation. Therefore, this software, apart from the ability to evaluate
alternative scenarios, provides the key advantage of allowing for the revaluation of recycling targets
by validating any study on the management of MSW (Regional Solid Waste Management Plan,
Strategic Study of Environmental Implications, etc.). In this framework, the tracking of targets for
recycling and the degree of compliance with the legislation is suggested with the possibility of
calculations at different times (after the year 2020).
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