Analysis of Waste Management Situation in Yasuj, Iran

Abstract: Background & aim: Population growth, consumption pattern change, economic development, income change, urbanization and industrialization have increased waste production and diversity of waste. Knowledge of sources and types of waste along with information about the composition and production rate is the basis for the design and operation of waste management systems. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to determine and analyze the situation of waste management in Yasuj, Iran. Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 in Yasuj. In order to quantitatively analyze and determine the percentage of components of Yasuj municipal waste, the number of samples was estimated according to ASTM instructions and samples were taken from the trucks entering the landfill on different days of the week. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Excel software. Results: The average per capita waste generated in Yasuj was calculated to be 1.03 kg per person per day and food waste, plastic, paper and cardboard were the maximum components of solid waste in Yasuj, respectively. The average density of municipal solid waste was 215 kg / m3 and the moisture content was 47%. Conclusion: According to the studies conducted in the field of waste management in the study area and the existence of significant amounts of recyclable and economically valuable components such as perishable waste, plastics and paper and cardboard, attention to their recovery in the waste management system of Yasuj city. It is suggested that in addition to economic benefits, part of the costs of waste management be offset. Evidently, in order to maintain the quality of recycling components, training people to separate waste at the source of production and create a labor market for investors is also recommended.