Survey the status of industrial solid waste management in city of Ramsar, northern of Iran, in 2015: A Case Study

Todays a large amount of solid waste produce as a result of industries developing. Uncontrolled disposal of these solid waste can lead to cause irreparable environmental and health risks. This study aimed to investigate the solid waste management of active industries in city of Ramsar, Northern of Iran. This cross-sectional study was done to determine the current status of solid waste management in all active industries (small, medium and large) in Ramsar, in 2015. To collect required data a self-reported questionnaire of “Department of Environment, Islamic Republic of Iran” with certain modifications (as needed) was used to determine the quantity, quality and management of waste. In this study, all of the units (32 units) used to study and conducted for visiting and completing the questionnaires. According to the existing active industries type in Ramsar as well as, to facilitate administrative all active industries divided in food industry, wood and paper industry, sanitary products industry, plastic industry and Non-metallic minerals categories. After collecting the required data, entered into Microsoft Excel and SPSS soft wares. Finally, results represented in suitable tables and charts. 32 industrial units in the city of Ramsar is active, now. The industries are in the category of the food industry (31%), wood industry (31 percent), health care products industry (12.3%), plastics industry (12%) and non-metallic mineral industries (21%). Solid waste generation rate was 58.227 ton/month equal to 698.488 ton/year. None of them have a sanitary management and ISO 14000 certification. 28% of industrial units had recycling methods. According to the obtained results, establishing of an industrial park is the first step for establishing of a management system. More than half of generated solid waste in studied industries were recyclable. Additionally, remained part of solid waste can be used to composting or animal feeding.