Waste Collection and Disposal in Military Units Climbing Mount Sabalan (North West of Iran)

Aims.The collection and disposal of waste has always posed a problem for human society. Mountains, ever so popular with people and tourists eager to spend time in nature, require more attention in this regard. This survey was designed and carried out to assess waste collection and disposal by a large number of army personnel climbing Mount Sabalan as part of a military maneuver. Methods. 205 questionnaires were randomly distributed at the location, and the data were analyzed by statistical methods and SPSS software. In addition, everyone was given a plastic rubbish bag and instructed to take the rubbish to a designated spot on his return. Sampling, analysis and weighing were done in the place. Results. The results of this study show that on each day of the three-day maneuver there was 485 grams of rubbish per capita, comprising 18.6% cans of food, 9.3% recyclable food plates, 53.6% cardboard containers, 16.5% bread and 2% decaying substances. The average years of membership in Basij (Volunteer Mobilized Forces), climbing experience and age were 13.47%, 5.87% and 33.93%, respectively. Conclusion. The survey reveals that the collection and disposal of rubbish in this camp was undesirable, although 94% of those answering the questionnaire stressed the importance of waste disposal and stated that the best way to reduce the accumulation of rubbish in mountains is to raise public awareness, consume high- calorie food and oblige individuals to collect rubbish at designated spots. There was also a direct relationship between the length of service in Basij, climbing experience and age with the rate of waste collection and disposal. Raising public awareness and education, the most fundamental factors in tackling pollution in mountains, can reduce up to 70% of the rubbish usually accumulated. Furthermore, environmentally friendly packaged food, allocation of clearly-signed waste disposal spots and deployment of a team of hygiene experts are highly recommended.