Planning and management of efficient and economical solid waste collection systems require that the consequences of alternative systems be quantitatively predicted so that the best alternative can be identified prior to a decision. The simulation model developed in this study enables the quantitative evaluation of conventional, residential solid waste collection systems. The model provides a basis for making decisions concerned with many aspects of solid waste collection, such as equipment selection, routing of collection vehicles, frequency of collection, and dump site locations. The dissertation describes the formulation, testing, and demonstration of the model.

Twelve typical agricultural areas representing three types of animal waste management techniques--lagooning, direct discharge into streams, and land spreading including pasture and drylot units--were studied to determine the amounts of and factors governing stream pollution from swine, dairy, beef, and poultry production operations. More than 1500 stream and lagoon effluent samples were collected with an automatic sampler developed for the study. The samples were analyzed for bacteria, nutrients, and degradable organics. Hydrological and waste management data were also collected. Study results point to the superiority of land spreading for the disposal of animal wastes.

Diagrs., tables. Includes bibliographies;