Page 36 - U4SSC Factsheet, Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of), September 2021
P. 36

Category: Waste

                                                                         Performance to
                Category               KPI              Result                                     SDG
                                                                           Benchmark

                             Solid Waste: Landfill      78.87 %


                             Solid Waste: Burnt         0.00 %


                             Solid Waste: Incinerated   8.31 %

                             Solid Waste: Open          0.00 %
                             Dump

                             Solid Waste: Recycled      11.19 %


                             Solid Waste: Other         0.00 %



            The KPI data demonstrate that most of Mashhad’s solid waste is sent to landfill, which is not an
            optimal option. One of the problems with landfill disposal of waste is that many materials that end
            up as waste contain toxic substances. Over time, these toxins leach into our soil and groundwater
            and become environmental hazards for years. Electronic waste is a sound example of this. Waste
            such as televisions, computers and other electronic appliances contain a long list of hazardous
            substances, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium, PVC, solvents, acids and lead. Landfills can also
            be a source of leachate, a liquid formed when waste breaks down in the landfill and water filters
            through that waste. This liquid can be highly toxic and can pollute the land, groundwater and
            waterways. When organic material such as food scraps and green waste is put in landfill, it is
            generally compacted down and covered. This removes the oxygen and causes it to break down in
            an anaerobic process. Eventually, this releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more
            potent than carbon dioxide in its effect on trapping heat.

            Recognizing the need to address solid waste disposal by diverting waste from landfill, Mashhad
            has implemented a mobile application (SIMAP – Smart Recyclable Waste Collection) to improve its
            rate of waste recycling. The first phase of the project was implemented in one municipality region
            with over 65 000 citizens and after one year, the rate of recyclable waste collection doubled.

            The second phase of the project has now been launched with private sector partnership and covers
            all city regions.


            SIMAP was judged and was awarded the silver medal in the sustainable city category at the 4th
            WeGO Awards.    27








             30  U4SCC Factsheet | Mashhad, Iran (Islamic Republic of) | September 2021
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