In the bustling metropolis of Tehran, Iran, a groundbreaking study led by Hossein Aligholizadeh from the Department of Environment at Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, has shed new light on construction waste management strategies. The research, published in the journal Anthropogenic Pollution, which translates to ‘Human-Caused Pollution’, offers a compelling roadmap for tackling the city’s construction waste challenges.
Tehran, like many rapidly developing cities, grapples with the mounting issue of construction waste. The study employs an innovative approach, combining the Fuzzy Analytic Network Process (FANP) and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodologies to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) facing the Tehran Waste Management Organization (TWMO). The goal? To identify and prioritize the most effective strategies for managing construction waste.
Aligholizadeh and his team developed a comprehensive SWOT matrix, identifying 10 strengths, 12 weaknesses, 9 opportunities, and 7 threats. The analysis positioned TWMO in the “Weaknesses- Threats” (WT) quadrant, highlighting the need for a defensive strategy. “The WT box indicates a critical need for immediate action to mitigate existing weaknesses and prepare for potential threats,” Aligholizadeh explains. This defensive strategy was further validated by the FANP-DEMATEL technique, which scored the WT strategies at 12.627.
The study pinpointed the most effective strategy as “Preventing mixing or separating waste at the source for easier recycling at the plant site,” with a weighting factor of 0.9. This approach not only simplifies the recycling process but also reduces the environmental impact of waste management. “By addressing the root cause of waste mixing, we can significantly enhance the efficiency of recycling operations and reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills,” Aligholizadeh notes.
The implications of this research extend beyond Tehran. As urbanization continues to accelerate globally, cities worldwide face escalating construction waste challenges. The integrated FANP-DEMATEL/SWOT model provides a robust framework for strategic planning in construction waste management. By identifying and prioritizing effective strategies, cities can optimize their waste management processes, reduce environmental impact, and promote sustainable development.
The findings of this study are poised to shape future developments in the field. As cities strive to become smarter and more sustainable, the need for efficient waste management strategies becomes increasingly urgent. This research offers a practical toolkit for policymakers and waste management organizations to navigate the complexities of construction waste and drive meaningful change.
The study, published in Anthropogenic Pollution, serves as a call to action for cities worldwide. By adopting the proposed strategies, urban centers can transform their waste management practices, paving the way for a cleaner, greener future. As Aligholizadeh concludes, “The time to act is now. With the right strategies in place, we can turn the tide on construction waste and build a more sustainable urban environment for generations to come.”
