Identification of stakeholders in decision-making and policy-making in waste management (qualitative study)

Nowadays, waste management system can be considered as a part of comprehensive management system by increasing waste production in urban communities. This system includes organizational structure, planning activities, defining responsibilities, determining methods and providing the necessary resources for the preparation, implementation, revision and preservation of environmental policy. This study aimed to identify stakeholders in decision-making and policy-making in waste management. The data of this study was carried out by interviewing stakeholders by snowball method. Data encryption process was performed using N-vivo qualitative software. The number of participants was determined according to data saturation and theoretical adequacy and the questions were opened. Stakeholders into decision-making in the field of waste management were classified in two groups of policymaker; waste management services providers, waste manufacturers and primary executives of waste management. Optimal participation of all internal and external stakeholders in waste management policy systems is very important in order to achieve the goal of quality improvement.