Volume 18, Issue 4 (3-2026)
ijhe 2026, 18(4): 807-826 |
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Almasi A, Khademikia S, Rajati F. Public participation in municipal waste management: a structured review study in developing countries and Iran. ijhe 2026; 18 (4) :807-826
URL: http://ijhe.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7059-en.html
URL: http://ijhe.tums.ac.ir/article-1-7059-en.html
1- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy, and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy, and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran ,samanehkhademikia@gmail.com
3- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
2- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Policy, and Promotion Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran AND Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran ,
3- Department of Health Education and Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
Abstract: (31 Views)
Background and Objective: Public participation is fundamental to sustainable municipal solid waste management (MSWM). This structured review analyzed participation levels, determinants, and barriers in developing countries, focusing on Iran.
Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SID using terms: Municipal Solid Waste Management, Public Participation, Developing Countries, Iran. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies (2019–2025) were included. Data were synthesized via narrative synthesis and thematic analysis (Clarke & Braun, 2006).
Results: Of 2,310 records, 30 studies (20 Iran, 10 others) were included. Most were moderate to high quality. Participation was moderate in 73.3% of studies. Iran’s average was 43.5%. Key determinants: awareness (individual), municipal trust (social), infrastructure/transparency (managerial). Main barriers: institutional distrust (23 studies), lack of source-separation infrastructure (20), recycling opacity (18). A conceptual model with three domains (determinants, barriers, strategies) was developed.
Conclusion: Despite high willingness (up to 70%), actual participation remains moderate to low (43.5%). The core issue is institutional distrust and recycling opacity, not merely awareness deficits. Without trust-building via feedback, infrastructure upgrades, and shifting education from segregation to waste reduction, single-strategy approaches fail. The model offers policymakers a framework to shift from top-down to participatory, trust-based governance.
Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and SID using terms: Municipal Solid Waste Management, Public Participation, Developing Countries, Iran. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies (2019–2025) were included. Data were synthesized via narrative synthesis and thematic analysis (Clarke & Braun, 2006).
Results: Of 2,310 records, 30 studies (20 Iran, 10 others) were included. Most were moderate to high quality. Participation was moderate in 73.3% of studies. Iran’s average was 43.5%. Key determinants: awareness (individual), municipal trust (social), infrastructure/transparency (managerial). Main barriers: institutional distrust (23 studies), lack of source-separation infrastructure (20), recycling opacity (18). A conceptual model with three domains (determinants, barriers, strategies) was developed.
Conclusion: Despite high willingness (up to 70%), actual participation remains moderate to low (43.5%). The core issue is institutional distrust and recycling opacity, not merely awareness deficits. Without trust-building via feedback, infrastructure upgrades, and shifting education from segregation to waste reduction, single-strategy approaches fail. The model offers policymakers a framework to shift from top-down to participatory, trust-based governance.
Keywords: Municipal solid waste management, Public participation, Institutional trust, Developing countries, Iran
Type of Study: Systematic Review |
Subject:
General
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