A Review of the Strategic Environmental Assessment in Solid Waste Management in Iran and the World

The per capita waste production for each Iranian citizen is about 700 grams, which is beyond international standards. The production of this volume of waste requires strategic management and development of macro-policies to achieve the goals of sustainable development. Today, solid waste management is seen as a major challenge in different parts of the world, especially in densely populated and developing cities, and the main reasons for this challenge are factors such as population growth and urban expansion, lack of proper consumption patterns, reduced financial resources and poor planning. In this comparative study, using library studies and search of scientific sites on the problems and challenges of urban waste management in developing countries, including Iran, first waste management strategies in countries with codified policies were reviewed and their key points identified. Then, according to these policies and the current situation in Iran, the positive and negative points, modes and challenges in the country's waste management were examined. The results of this study showed that in most parts of the world, a wide range of measures are usually considered for more effective measures towards achieving the goals and policies in strategic evaluation of waste management. These measures vary according to different economic, social and cultural conditions, the level of public awareness and public participation, and the existence of legal and civil infrastructure. Considering the above-mentioned issues, including the important and noteworthy policies at the global level that are used in the agenda of waste management strategies, the following policies are highlighted: Adopting a zero waste strategy, paying attention to the management hierarchy strategy, support for the private sector, boosting the reduction of disposable and plastics consumption, attention to 3R strategy, efforts to attract public participation, development of technical infrastructure, and support of the World Bank and international cooperation. By carefully examining the strengths and weaknesses of these strategies, analyzing and comparing them with the current situation of Iran's waste management, more effective steps can be taken in formulating macro strategies in this field. In addition to the above, the existence of waste management law in Iran and attention to the development of strategic environmental assessment in the five-year development plans of the country promises a strong potential for the development of relevant policies. Considering waste management in different parts of the world, it seems that the revision of waste management structure in Iran can be a way forward in optimal management by creating an independent organization such as "Management Organization". Currently, supervision of waste management in Iran is the responsibility of the Department of the Environment (DoE). However, due to the varied tasks defined for DoE, lack of manpower and lack of infrastructure, effectiveness of this supervision is not up to the standards. Therefore, the establishment of a comprehensive waste management organization can integrate the process of centralized management and supervision, in addition to formulating macro-strategic policies for the country's waste management and creating effective measures. This may increase inter-organizational cooperation, including DoE, Management and Planning Organization, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Health, municipalities and other bodies towards proper waste management in the medical, industrial, special, agricultural and household sectors.