Sustainable Waste Management: Challenges, Strategies, and Its Role in Environmental Engineering

Waste generation is one of the direct consequences of human activities, which has been intensified by population growth, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. The increasing volume and diversity of wastes pose a serious threat to human health, ecosystems, and economic resources. Improper waste management leads to extensive health, environmental, and economic impacts and requires a scientific and engineering-based approach. This article reviews the history of waste generation, its classifications, sources, and characteristics, as well as the consequences of improper management, key challenges, and modern management methods. It further examines the role of environmental engineering and the Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) model in mitigating adverse effects and promoting sustainable development. The findings indicate that combining strategies such as waste reduction at the source, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and final disposal not only minimizes environmental impacts but also creates new economic and social opportunities while strengthening green governance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Waste ، Sustainable Management ، ISWM ، Sustainable Development ، Environmental Engineering ، Green Governance