18 November 2016
In common with many mega cities around the world, Tehran and its
population of more than 9 million people is struggling with ever-
growing waste generation. On a daily basis, more than 7000 tonnes
of household waste is collected and brought to a huge facility in the
desert south of the Iranian capital where most is either landfilled,
composted or burnt for energy recovery. Multi-million Euro invest-
ments are required to boost its relatively small recycling rates.
Tehran has a serious air pollution problem. On most days, a thick brown-yellow smog
masks the skyline, obliterating spectacular views
of the towering Alborz mountains to the north
of the city.
On a positive note, the Iranian capital manages
to keep its streets and neighbourhoods free of
litter, as becomes clear while driving around this
metropolis. This is thanks in no small measure
to the city’s effective waste collection infrastruc-
ture and to the Aradkouh waste processing cen-
tre positioned at its heart.
The Aradkouh facility is located some 50 km
south of Tehran and to the east of the interna-
tional airport. Exiting the city, you first pass
one of Iran’s landmark structures – the immense
mausoleum of the late Ayatollah Khomeini –
before entering the dry and dusty desert.
With an area covering roughly 16 km2, the
Aradkouh complex has been handling most of
Tehran’s residential waste for 40 years. Accord-
ing to Mohammad Gholami, recycling expert
and marketing manager of the Tehran Waste
Management organisation, the city generates
more than 7000 tonnes of household waste per
day. ‘We have an average of 400 trucks every 24
hours, each truck carrying 20 tonnes of waste,’
he says.
Among the world’s biggest
The total volume is more than 10 000 tonnes if
you take into account the residential suburbs
around the city. Teheran counts as the ‘economic
centre’ of the country and with a population of
almost 9 million in the city and 16 million in the
wider metropolitan area, it ranks as the third
largest city in the Middle East.This means that,
in waste terms, Tehran is vying with mega cities
such as Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro and Mexico
City.
The volumes arriving at Aradkouh are drawn
from various smaller centres, including: those
covering the 22 districts of the city of Tehran
(roughly 6500 tonnes per day); hospitals as
well as health and treatment centres (around 80
tonnes); and commerical enterprises (some 580
tonnes). Aradkouh has a workforce of 1200 peo-
ple per 24 hours, including 400 truck drivers.
Weighing and separating
‘Nose and mouth mask on; you will need it,’
warns Gholami with a big smile while driving
from the facility’s office building to the main
sorting station. Protection is indeed no luxury;
the stench from the refuse is almost unbearable.
After the incoming truck-loads of waste have
been weighed, this mass of material enters a first
stage of separation and sorting. Metals, large
C O V E R S T O R Y
400 truck-loads
of waste per day
The volumes arriving
at Aradkouh are
drawn from various
smaller centres.Tehran’s household waste processing facility
