Hajiyeva, S: Municipal Solid Waste Management in Azerbaijan

Nowadays, amount of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is rising around the world. The problem that humanity faces is how to manage this waste in a way that there is a minimum negative impact on the environment. In Azerbaijan, this is also a critical issue, as current waste management practices fall behind the global standards and have substantial negative effects on local environment and public health. The main focus of the present thesis is to evaluate the current state of MSWM system in Azerbaijan, with a particular case of its capital, Baku. As a result of comprehensive analysis of the collected data, the main existing barriers and constraints preventing from the sustainable development of the MSWM sector in the country are identified. In this context, an adequate approach, including multi-step pathway to a sustainable MSWM system compliant with EU standards, and thus aimed at the environmental and human health protection, is proposed. The recommended actions are structured according to the priority principles and realistic timeframes within which they could be implemented, taking into account specific local conditions of the country.