Alternatives for solid waste management in Isfahan, Iran: a case study

Abstract

This articles presents the status of municipal solid waste (MSW) management practices in the city of Isfahan, Iran. It provides an overview of the generation, collection, separation, recycling and disposal of MSW. Field studies were carried out from 2009 to 2010. According to this study, the city generates about 399,000 metric tons of MSW per year, of which 72.5% is organic matter. In Isfahan more than 90% of the MSW is collected by official municipal forces and the other 10% is collected by informal collectors. About 70% of the MSW in Isfahan is composted to produce a humus material, 5% is rejected and 25% is stockpiled for future use as fuel in a waste-to-energy incineration plant. Non-compostable waste and other residues are landfilled. This investigation also includes an analysis of economic benefits that could be realized by implementing incineration and a discussion of the challenges confronted in Isfahan for implementing changes to the city's existing MSW management system. This article concludes with recommendations for improving the city's MSW management system.

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“…According to Abduli et al (2013), it is essential to comprehend the quantity and type of USW generated in order to plan and develop a suitable management policy for these materials in a specific location. Moreover, the lack of knowledge, mainly about MSW quantity and its characteristics, can make some stages not viable, such as treatment and the final disposal (Costa et al, 2012).…”

“…Inadequate management of USW in terms of treatment results in economic losses and poses a threat to public health and natural resources (Abduli et al, 2013). Zhang et al (2010) affirm that any activity for USW treatment not only diminishes the total amount of waste generated but also the costs of disposal.…”

“…Based on the fact that USW in BRICS countries have a large portion of organic material, composting should be considered in these locations. Some authors, such as Abduli et al (2013), Zhang et al (2010) and Sharholy et al (2008), suggest that composting needs to be improved, which is essential to the implementation of the separation of waste material from the generating source so that recyclable materials can be routed to recycling processes and organic material to composting.…”

Waste to liquid fuels: potency, progress and challenges

“…Improper disposal and management of these waste materials could be associated with many serious environmental and health challenges . Land and water pollution due to waste disposals have shown numerous disadvantages, including the reduction of viable arable farmland for domestic and commercial agriculture and the scarcity of fresh water for human activities.…”

Municipal Solid Waste Management in Mahabad Town, Iran

“…Assessing quality and quantity of waste in Isfahan, Iran showed that the rate of waste generation is 1090 t, out of which 65% were organic materials, 25% recycled materials and 5-10% other materials. His cost-benefit analysis revealed that waste incineration could be recommended as a suitable approach for improving waste management through energy recovery (Abdoli et al, 2013).…”