Qazvin - Qazvin Province, located about 200 km (125 miles) northwest of Tehran, has launched a project to install smart underground waste containers in 22 villages as part of efforts to improve public health, preserve rural landscapes, and advance sustainable waste management practices.

 

Sediqeh Rabiei, Director General of Rural Affairs and Councils at the Qazvin Governorate, said the initiative, introduced during World Environment Week, is designed to promote waste separation at source and reduce environmental pollution.

 

She explained that, unlike conventional waste bins, the underground containers require minimal surface space, offer higher storage capacity, and significantly reduce odors, litter dispersion, and the presence of insects and pests, while helping maintain the visual appeal of rural communities.

 

The system also allows residents to separate recyclable materials—such as plastic, glass, metal, and paper, from organic waste, improving recycling rates and lowering long-term waste management costs.

 

Rabiei said the project forms part of a broader strategy to modernize rural sanitation infrastructure and support the transition toward a more circular and environmentally sustainable waste management system.