Municipal Waste Reduction Potential and Related Strategies in Tehran

The main problem of solid waste management system in Tehran is to handle a large amount of waste (7.641 ton/day in 2008). Therefore, source reduction can be introduced as one of the first priority for solid waste management in Tehran. This research represents the first attempt to quantify the source reduction potential in the city, and subsequently, outlines the principle guidelines, legislations and strategies regarding source reduction application in Tehran metropolitan area.Based on the findings of current research source reduction strategies can be implemented in dealing with packaging material, paper, street waste, mixed household waste and hazardous household wastes. Also industrial wastes produced inside city boundaries can be reduced drastically by implementing source reduction measures. It is also found that any recycling program can be combined effectively with source reduction strategies.The waste reduction potential for each component of waste stream is calculated as the result of the research source reduction potential were determined as: horticultural waste, 80%; food waste, 80; paper and cardboard, 50%; textiles, 20%; metals including ferrous and nonferrous, % 90; Glass, % 30; PET%, 70, and plastic 80%.Finally, overall potential for source reduction in Tehran city is estimated to be 66% for the waste stream as a whole.