Perspective of solid waste generation in Albania based on a combination of correlation and interpolation

Abstract

Waste management is a serious problem in developing countries. Solid waste (SW) statistics provide an indication of compliance with the targets of the Waste Framework Directives (WFD). This paper includes an analysis of specific variables that directly influence trends in the production of SW. Albania is divided into 12 first-level administrative units, counties. The objective of this paper is to concentrate on the geographical areas that provide the most striking results. The analyses use linear regression and Pearson correlation in which the dependent variable is waste generation and the independent variables, geographic, demographic and economic, are among those that are of greatest importance in the production of SW. The specific relationships are highly significant (r > 0.98) and are the input for the IDW interpolation maps. The disaggregated panorama is used to develop policy recommendations for waste management in the affected areas. Prediction of urban waste through a combination of mathematical equations and geographical tools is part of the results of this study.