25th Annual INCOSE International Symposium (IS2015) Seattle, July 13-16, 2015 A Novel Methodology for the Application of Middle- Out, Model-Based Systems Engineering Techniques for City Waste Management Systems Development Christopher J. Bouch University of Birmingham United Kingdom c.bouch@bham.ac.uk Tommy Wallace Birmingham City Council United Kingdom Tommy.wallace@birmingham.gov.uk Richard Kenny Birmingham City Council United Kingdom richard.kenny@birmingham.gov.uk Christopher D. F. Rogers University of Birmingham United Kingdom c.d.f.rogers@bham.ac.uk Dexter Hunt University of Birmingham United Kingdom huntd@bham.ac.uk Susan Lee University of Birmingham United Kingdom s.e.lee@bham.ac.uk Copyright © 2015 by Bouch et al. Published and used by INCOSE with permission. Abstract A holistic approach to urban development is required to meet global sustainability goals. Part of the challenge involves finding an effective response to the increasing volumes of solid waste being generated in cities. The European Commission has developed a thematic strategy, and issued directives, on the prevention and recycling of waste. The United Kingdom has introduced legislation in line with these, and is working to develop its own waste management strategies against a very complex background. This paper describes a novel methodology for the application of middle-out, model-based systems engineering techniques to help with this, using the city of Birmingham in the United Kingdom as an example. The methodology creates repeatable and objective models of existing waste management systems and links them to city management accounts to provide a foundation for the design of new and improved systems and business models. Introduction Global sustainability is being adversely affected by continuing growth in the volume of solid waste produced by cities. Approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste were generated in 2012 and it is estimated this will increase to 2.2 billion tonnes per annum by 2025. At the same time, waste is becoming increasingly complex and hazardous to treat, and yet waste problems are often handled in a fragmented and uncoordinated manner, with the focus on end-of-pipe solutions rather than on prevention measures and integrated approaches [UNEP, 2013]. There is therefore, an urgent need to work towards policies to improve solid waste management, and to design, implement and operate the supporting systems.