Investigating waste disposal methods

بررسی روش‌های دفع زباله

Abstract

The assessment of waste disposal methods is considered one of the most critical issues in environmental protection and the achievement of sustainable development, as the final stage of waste disposal plays a significant role in either causing or reducing environmental pollution and public health risks. Population growth, rapid urbanization, industrial expansion, and changing consumption patterns have led to a substantial increase in waste generation. In Afghanistan, the selection of appropriate waste disposal methods faces technical and financial limitations. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the major municipal waste disposal methods and evaluate their environmental, economic, social, and health impacts. This research was conducted using a descriptive and analytical approach based on reliable national and international scientific sources. The methods investigated include sanitary landfilling, waste incineration, composting, and the role of recycling in reducing the volume of waste requiring final disposal. The evaluation was carried out according to environmental criteria, including water, soil, and air pollution as well as greenhouse gas emissions; economic criteria, including investment and operational costs; and social and health criteria, including impacts on public health and social acceptance. The findings indicate that no single disposal method is universally suitable for all conditions, and the effectiveness of each method depends on local circumstances, technical capacity, and financial resources. Therefore, the informed and integrated selection of disposal methods, together with reducing waste volume before final disposal, can significantly reduce negative environmental and health impacts. This study can provide a valuable scientific foundation for environmental decision-makers and planners in Afghanistan.