Management of glass recycling in Tehran

Subject Areas : environmental management

Ghasem Ali  Omrani ¹ (Faculty of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Seyed Masood  Monavari ² (Faculty of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Seyed Ali  Jozi ³ (Faculty of Environment, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University)
Neda  Zamani ⁴ (Faculty of Environment and Energy, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University)

Received: 2007-03-05 Accepted : 2007-10-12 Published : 2009-12-22

Keywords: glass, Tehran, recycle, waste,

Abstract :

Producing thousands of tons of glass wastes inTehran, caused by daily, industrial and commercial activities, has made recycling an inevitable issue. Burying or leaving these recyclable wastes in the suburbs is considered a factor causing environmental problems. Besides, the country’ wealth is wasted as a result of burying or burning such wastes. According to the statistics released by Tehran Municipality Recycling Organization, glass constitutes 2.2 percent of the total weight of solid wastes. Some 52,226 tons of glass is produced inTehranannually, of which unfortunately only a small amount is recycled and the rest is buried with other wastes. In fact, the average monthly rate of glass recycling is about 2 percent in the city ofTehran. Glass recycling leads to saving resources and raw materials, reducing energy consumption, cutting down expenses, decreasing landfills and environmental pollution such as air and water pollution as well as reducing the release of greenhouse gases, providing job opportunities, and increasing the cooperation and general knowledge of people. Recycling can be used to achieve the goal of sustainable development and preservation of resources and environment. Therefore, the authorities are expected to care for the proper, scientific recycling of glass waste and to prevent this valuable material from being buried or left in the environment.