The comparison study of solid waste management process in Iran and Canada

This study discusses how solid waste management systems are different in a developed and a developing country. The problems that municipalities face in managing solid waste have been identified in Iran and Canada. Also the study argues the sustainability of both cases in solid waste management by comparing different aspects such as social, political and environmental. The thesis starts by giving a description of solid waste management systems in Iran and Canada then it explains how different social, political and economic factors affect the methods and practices in solid waste management. The thesis shows the importance of high social participation, well organized policies, good cooperation between government and local responsible sectors and high economic growth in success of Canadian province, Nova Scotia in solid waste management. A protected environment and improved employment opportunities in Nova Scotia is a proof of solid waste management success. Also the study shows how in Iran low participation of people in solid waste management, low income and economic sources and inappropriate policies lead to problematic solid waste management and environmental and health problems as a result. The thesis finishes by concluding that comparing two different solid waste management systems in Iran and Canada helps us to be familiar with more effective solutions and to learn the new technologies. But also it concludes that it is not possible to use a developed country’s solid waste management as a complete pattern for developing counties as different factors play different roles in solid waste management in two different places. A developing country’s social, political and economic conditions are very different than a developed country so the same methods and strategies can not be applied in Iran.