Multi-Criteria Spatial Analysis for Locating Waste Landfill with Boolean and Weighted Approach in Mazandaran Province, Iran

The selection of landfill sites and the utilization of modern sanitary burial methods must consider the environmental regulations of each country. Given the impacts that landfill sites have on ecosystems and their surrounding environments, it is essential to ensure that the location chosen for landfill minimizes destructive effects and adverse impacts on its surroundings. The objective of the present study was to identify suitable locations for the disposal of industrial waste in Mazandaran Province. Iran. In selecting waste disposal sites, all environmental, geological, hydrological, topographic, physiographic, climatic, soil science criteria, protected areas, buffer zones for oil, water and power transmission lines, access roads, population areas, and other criteria stipulated in legal regulations were considered. The spatial analysis of the results of this study showed that 22.6% of the area of Mazandaran Province conflicts with 15 environmental criteria. The results from overlaying the prepared informational layers, while adhering to each technical standard for establishing an industrial and special waste storage center using the Boolean method, indicated that none of the areas in Mazandaran Province meet the current technical standards for establishing a special waste storage center, and it is not feasible to establish such a center in Mazandaran Province.