Analysis of the Role of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Enhancing Urban Environmental Sustainability(Case Study:Pishva City)

Document Type : Article extracted from dissertations

Authors

1 M.Sc. Graduate in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
Background and Objective: Rapid population growth, industrial expansion, and changing consumption patterns have led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation. Global municipal solid waste production has increased from approximately 200 million tons in 1970 to an estimated 2.2 billion tons by 2025. In many countries, particularly developing nations, the accumulation of municipal solid waste and its associated impacts has become one of the most critical urban environmental challenges, while inefficient waste management imposes substantial economic, environmental, and social costs on urban systems. This study aims to assess the status of urban environmental sustainability with an emphasis on municipal solid waste management in Pishva City, Iran.
Methodology: This research employs a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through field surveys using questionnaires and interviews. The statistical sample consisted of 380 residents of Pishva City. Data were analyzed using regression analysis to examine the relationship between municipal solid waste management and urban environmental sustainability.
Results and findings: The findings indicate a significant relationship between municipal solid waste management and the level of environmental sustainability in Pishva City. Among the examined sustainability dimensions, the environmental dimension recorded the highest level of influence, with a mean score of 3.43, highlighting the importance of effective waste collection, recycling, and disposal practices in improving environmental quality. In contrast, the spatial dimension showed the lowest level of influence, with a mean score of 2.88, suggesting that spatial planning aspects of waste management require greater attention. Overall, the results confirm that improving municipal solid waste management can substantially enhance urban environmental sustainability and support sustainable urban development.

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Subjects

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Volume 7, Issue 3 - Serial Number 25
Autumn 2026
Pages 445-459

  • Receive Date 29 March 2026
  • Revise Date 12 June 2026
  • Accept Date 11 July 2026
  • First Publish Date 20 July 2026
  • Publish Date 22 November 2026