Achieving sustainability in constant development in every area in today’s modern business has become a challenge on the one hand, and an imperative on the other. If the aspect of business excellence achievement is also added to it, the complexity of the system increases significantly, and it is necessary to model a system considering several parameters and satisfying the multi-criteria function. This paper develops a novel integrated model that involves the application of a subjective-objective model in order to achieve business sustainability and excellence. The model consists of fuzzy PIPRECIA (fuzzy pivot pairwise relative criteria importance Assessment) as a subjective method, CRITIC (criteria importance through intercriteria correlation) and I-distance method as objective methods. The goal is to take the advantages of these approaches and allow for more accurate and balanced (symmetric) decision-making through their integration. The integrated subjective-objective model has been applied in a narrow geographical area to consider and evaluate banks as a significant factor in improving the social aspect of sustainability. An additional contribution of the paper is a critical overview of multi-criteria problems in which the levels of the hierarchical structure contain a different (asymmetric) number of elements. A specific example has also been used to prove that only a hierarchical structure with an equal number of lower-level elements provides precise weights of criteria in accordance with the preferences of decision-makers referring to subjective models. The results obtained are verified throughout the calculation of Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients, and throughout a sensitivity analysis involving a dynamic reverse rank matrix.

This study aims to elucidate the role of established public utility logistics in facilitating the integration of transition economies into the modern, developed world, with a particular focus on comprehensive waste management and the implementation of green logistics schemes. The research highlights the “green islands” waste collection system—networks of collection points that serve as separators for secondary raw materials from generated waste. It is demonstrated that such systems not only contribute to the optimization of public utility company costs and the selection of optimal transport routes but also play a crucial role in elevating public awareness regarding the importance of the 3R principle (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). A significant contribution of this study lies in its demonstration of how academic knowledge can be transferred to the business sector through spin-offs, evidencing a theoretical model of green logistics schemes that can increase the total amount of secondary raw materials recovered from waste by 20% by 2030 in the City of Doboj. The research underscores the role of citizens, students, and businesses as primary waste producers in transition economies, emphasizing the effectiveness of a rewards system for conscientious waste selection at the source. Moreover, the establishment of an optimal transport route designed to support these green islands is shown to enhance the collection and recycling of valuable secondary raw materials, thereby preventing their disposal in landfills without value recovery. This innovative approach not only raises public awareness towards a more sustainable environment but also establishes a foundation for long-term environmental health. Through the lens of green logistics, this study presents a compelling model for comprehensive waste management in transition economies, advocating for practices that ensure the sustainable management of resources and contribute to environmental protection and public health.

In the sustainability concept, one of the most important areas is sustainable waste management, a system that significantly impacts both economic and social well-being. The aim of this paper is to create a unique model that can contribute to better and more promising waste management in local governments in order to increase the level of sustainability. The scientific contribution and novelty of this research is reflected in developing the Fuzzy M-FullEX (Modified Fuller’s triangle approach extended) method for defining fuzzy weight coefficients of criteria and its integration with the Fuzzy ROV (range of value) method for ranking multifunctional machines. The unique model developed in this study encompasses 10 criteria and seven alternative solutions, including the two aforementioned Fuzzy MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) methods and the Bonferroni operator for averaging expert assessments. The results of the Fuzzy M-FullEX-Fuzzy ROV model based on the preferences of three experts define the best multifunctional machine for efficient and sustainable waste management, which is the Venieri. The rankings are as follows: M1 > M3 > M2 > M4 > M5 > M6 > M7. The obtained results were confirmed through extensive analysis (sensitivity, comparative analysis, correlation coefficients, different matrix size) and discussion.

The efficiency of utility vehicle fleets in municipal waste management plays a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of non-hazardous waste disposal systems. This research investigates the operational performance of a local utility company's vehicle fleet, with a specific focus on waste separation at the source and its implications for meeting environmental standards in Europe and beyond. The study aims to identify the most efficient vehicle within the fleet, contributing to broader goals of environmental preservation and waste reduction, with a long-term vision of achieving "zero waste". Efficiency was evaluated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), where key input parameters included fuel costs, regular maintenance expenses, emergency repair costs, and the number of minor accidents or damages. The output parameter was defined as the vehicle's working hours. Following the DEA results, the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) method was employed to assign weightings to the criteria, ensuring an accurate reflection of their relative importance. The Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method was then applied to rank the vehicles based on their overall efficiency. The analysis, conducted over a five-year period (2019-2023), demonstrated that Vehicle 3 (MAN T32-J-339) achieved the highest operational efficiency, particularly in 2020. These findings underscore the potential for optimising fleet performance in waste management systems, contributing to a cleaner urban environment and aligning with global sustainability objectives. The proposed model provides a robust framework for future applications in similar municipal settings, supporting the transition towards more eco-friendly waste management practices.

Effective waste management poses a significant challenge for transitional countries, particularly in the context of limited financial and material resources. In Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), the inefficiency of the waste management system at both the entity and national levels exacerbates the difficulty of establishing an integrated system resilient to natural and other hazards. This study introduces a theoretical model of comprehensive waste management (CWM) tailored for crisis situations, aiming to advance the development of a unified system across BiH. Key measures proposed include the involvement of key stakeholders, optimization of material resources, and continuous education to address irresponsible waste disposal practices and non-compliance with regulations. These issues contribute to the proliferation of illegal landfills and heighten the risk of large-scale environmental catastrophes. Specifically, in the Republic of Srpska, one of BiH's two entities, 400,000 tons of municipal waste were generated in 2020, averaging 0.95 kg per person per day, with approximately 40% being organic waste and another 40% packaging waste. Regrettably, only about 5% of this waste is recycled, largely due to an inadequate strategy and systemic approach to waste management, with about 30% of the population still lacking access to waste collection services. The proposed CWM model and the associated measures are crucial for mitigating the impacts of natural hazards, such as floods, on waste management systems.

Solid waste management in rural areas remains an underexplored domain, despite its growing significance in the context of environmental sustainability and the circular economy. Key challenges include inadequate municipal infrastructure, a shortage of waste collection containers, and the absence of suitable vehicle fleets capable of navigating narrow and steep rural pathways. Moreover, the lack of a strategic framework for waste management, the insufficient application of the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles, and the absence of circular economy practices further exacerbate these issues. In rural areas, approximately 40% of the waste produced is organic and could be used as a resource for compost production, a valuable input for organic agricultural practices. Projections suggest that by 2027, biowaste will account for 8% of the total waste generated in rural communities. The transition to a circular economy offers significant potential for transforming waste management practices in these areas. Emphasis on innovative collection methods, such as localised and adaptive waste separation techniques, can facilitate this transition. The adoption of circular economy principles in waste management strategies is critical, not only for reducing environmental impact but also for promoting resource efficiency, enhancing soil fertility, and supporting sustainable local economies. Raising public awareness, engaging local communities, and introducing more effective waste management systems will be vital in overcoming existing barriers and ensuring the success of these initiatives.