Gardening waste management - case study: Tehran - Iran

Wastes are unwanted products in human life as well as inseparable part of every process resulted in various sectors such as agriculture and gardening. Agriculture in Iran produces more than 80% of the country´s food supply; therefore, it is one of the main producers of the wastes. This shows the importance of agricultural Losses and waste management. Consequently, a case study in Tehran province was conducted to identify the problem and to suggest appropriate solutions for comprehensive waste management in gardening sub sector. In the first step, classification sampling method was used for evaluation of the present situation in production of the agricultural wastes. The result of this study showed 45% yields losses in gardening sub sector. In addition to study on the present situation, more emphasis was put on looses minimizing methods as the principle management methods such as good agricultural practices based on kinds of product. Among waste management methods was discussed on reuse, recycle and compost according to the specific kind of waste. However, all kind of solid wastes if pass the essential criteria, can be used in animal feed, cellulose industries or change into compost fertilizers. Improper attention on food safety can turn our food supplies into inedible wastes. Minimizing of losses and agricultural waste management in comparison with increasing cultivated lands or production efficiency is a more systematic and comprehensive approach for achieving food safety. Therefore, it is strongly recommended more attention on this concept.