Optimizing urban agricultural waste planning and management to enhance sustainability: Strategies for three types of cities

In recent years, urban agriculture has gained significant attention for its potential to enhance food security and promote sustainable development. However, improper management and inadequate treatment of urban agricultural waste have led to severe air pollution and inefficient resource utilization, undermining urban sustainability efforts. Therefore, effective planning for urban agricultural waste is crucial to achieving these objectives. This study develops a comprehensive planning model to support data-driven decision-making and offer policy recommendations for urban agricultural waste management. Using the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, the model identifies sustainable solutions by establishing a full life-cycle planning framework through Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. The framework is structured into three phases: urban layout pattern, facility location planning, and resource allocation. A ten-indicator evaluation system was created to enhance urban environmental quality, optimize resource utilization, and minimize investment costs, providing optimal solutions for each phase. Tailored planning indicators and strategic recommendations are proposed for cities at different stages of urban agricultural development, addressing layout patterns, facility numbers, service radii, and waste collection distances. The results demonstrate that, with appropriate planning, the environmental, energy, and economic benefits of urban agricultural waste can be maximized, making a significant to urban sustainability.