The Rate of Solid Waste Production in Mashhad, Iran, 2012

Objectives Recycling is one of the methods to improve the management of solid waste, which has considerable economic and environmental benefits. Without knowing the amount of the waste and its components, the possibility of planning and optimizing the waste management system is impossible. The current study aimed at investigating the recycling potential of solid wastes in 13 municipal districts of Mashhad, Iran, quantitatively and qualitatively.
Methods The current study was conducted in 2013 in 13 municipal districts of Mashhad. To conduct the study, it was necessary to know the physical analysis of municipal waste solid; therefore, the latest data of Waste Management Organization of Mashhad were used.
Results The solid ingredients of the studied waste were paper and cardboard (46.7%), bread (10.8%), plastics (9.7%), metals (6.8%), and glasses (5%), respectively. There was a significant difference between the mean of the studied solid waste in winter and summer months. The total proceeds from the recycled materials was about US$ 369 836.45. The proceeds from the recycled metals was even more than that of other dry waste.
Conclusion The recycled dry solid waste compromised 26.15% of the total dry solid waste. It is suggested to establish a waste separation system and also systematize the existing recycling industries in Mashhad according to the regulations to reduce the amount of solid waste, mange the costs and benefits result from Mashhad solid waste, and create new job opportunities and sources of income.