Evaluation and Providing a Solution for Implementing Waste Management Law (Case Study: Ramsar City)

Increasing population and increasing waste production have made urban waste management essential and unfortunately, due to lack of appropriate management and the use of undesirable methods, public health and the environment have been endangered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and investigate why waste management laws are not implemented and to provide appropriate strategies using SWOT and quantitative matrix (QSPM) techniques for the case under study. The city of Ramsar was selected because of its special natural and ecotourism features and seasonal floating population. To collect data, library tools were used in addition to field and survey methods (Delphi). The statistical population was selected by sampling method and based on the Delphi technique, 25 people were selected. Data analysis was performed based on SWOT technique, quantitative matrix method and strategic planning (QSPM). The results of this study indicated that an aggressive strategy needed to be implemented in urban waste management for it to be effective. Creating employment and entrepreneurship related to the field of waste segregation and recycling, updating waste transportation fleet and facilitating government rules and regulations to help private sector investors were among the favorable effects and consequences of this approach. Based on the analysis and the proposed aggressive strategy, it was inferred that significant weaknesses in the urban structure including revenue and waste management issues could be remedied with the help of strengths and opportunities in waste management law.