The impact of various festivals and events on recycling potential of municipal solid waste in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different events and festivals on quantity of recyclable fractions of municipal solid waste in Tehran, the capital of Iran and one of the most crowded areas in the Middle East, during the year 2014-2015. Field investigations was performed to collecting data on municipal solid waste processing activities in Aradkouh processing and disposal center, the biggest recycling and processing facility in the Middle East. The United State Environmental Protection Agency toolkit was used to estimate the environmental benefits and energy savings of recycling. Investigated recyclable fractions were polyethylene terephthalate, mixed Plastic, Glass, mixed Iron, and Cardboard. Results show that the total waste which reached to Aradkouh complex during the study period was 201,942 t of which 10,674 t (5%) was recyclable fraction, 90,874 t (45%) was organic and compostable fraction and the rest (50%) were sent to landfill as disposable waste. Among recyclable fractions, mixed plastic (46%) and polyethylene terephthalate (16%) had the highest quantities. Results showed that Tasoua-Ashoura, Islamic Revolution anniversary and Wedding day had a maximum impact on generation of recyclable fractions of municipal solid waste. The results showed that the highest landfill savings belong to mixed plastics (20,041 m3). The effect of studied events on polyethylene terephthalate and mixed plastic were more significant than other recyclable waste fractions. To achieve optimal recycling rate after these important events, improvement of management strategies and infrastructures along with increasing the public awareness seem to be necessary.