Solid waste management in Mahabad, Iran: Status and problems

Improper solid waste management (SWM) can be cause of environmental problems and health risks, which is an important challenge for the cities’ authorities in developing countries. The basic standards of solid waste management are not achievable in the most cities of developing countries due to unsuitable collection system and disposal method. This paper displays an overview of current SWM practices in Mahabad, Iran and based on current state of SWM, and presents some suggestions for improving management of solid waste in future. This study carried out based on achieved data from different sources that are responsible for SWM, visual observations of the authors, as well as filling questionnaires by responsible persons. The quantity and quality of MSW in Mahabad city has changed because of population growth and lifestyle alterations. However, the current situation of solid waste management in this city, which generates more than 141 tons/d, have notimproved to archive acceptable level of source reduction or recycling, which only 01 % of people doing recycling in home for plastic containers, paper, newspaper. At this time, no treatment is provided to the waste and waste is dumped on open land atthe 31 Km ofthe city after collection. The main challenges of MSW management of Mahabad city are lack of suitable facilities (equipment and infrastructure) and underestimates of waste generation rates, inadequate management and technical skills, unsuitable planning, improper bin collection, poor collection and transportation and inadequatepublic awareness.

Keywords:

Solid waste , management , Mahabad , Iran