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Modeling and analyzing the factors affecting urban waste management; case study: Rudbar city using structural equation modeling (SEM)
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Karamatollah Ziari *   , Rouzegar Aghazadeh kokaneh |
| Department of Human Geography and Planning, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. |
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Abstract: (480 Views) |
Objective: This study aims to model and analyze the factors influencing urban waste management in Rudbar City using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. Urban waste management has become one of the major challenges of urban governance, particularly in transit cities such as Rudbar, which experience substantial daily traffic and generate considerable volumes of waste due to commercial and tourism-related activities. Identifying the factors affecting the efficiency of waste collection and disposal systems can provide valuable insights for sustainable urban planning and management.
Method: This research employed a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) design. In the qualitative phase, the Delphi technique and semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten experts in urban management, environmental management, and solid waste management. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their professional expertise. Qualitative data were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding to identify the primary factors affecting urban waste management. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population consisted of residents and shopkeepers in Rudbar City. A total of 384 respondents were selected using convenience random sampling. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software.
Results: The results of the structural equation modeling revealed that five major factors significantly influence urban waste management: source separation of solid waste, governmental management and institutional support, public awareness management, specialized awareness management, and the mechanization of waste disposal systems. Among these factors, the mechanization of waste disposal systems exerted the strongest effect, whereas specialized awareness management showed the weakest impact on the overall performance of urban waste management. These findings highlight the critical role of technological infrastructure and the modernization of waste collection, transportation, and disposal systems in enhancing the effectiveness of urban waste management.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that implementing mechanized waste management systems, expanding specialized equipment and machinery, enhancing public education and awareness, and strengthening institutional support from the public sector can substantially improve the efficiency of urban waste management in Rudbar. In addition to providing a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, this study offers practical recommendations for local policymakers and urban managers to optimize urban waste management through integrated and sustainable planning.
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| Keywords: Waste, Waste Management, Waste Disposal Management, Rudbar City. |
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Full-Text [PDF 1221 kb]
(38 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2026/02/2 | Accepted: 2026/02/2 | Published: 2026/02/15
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