Introduction: One of the most serious challenges in urban management is the ever-increasing volume of municipal solid waste (MSW), particularly in large metropolitan areas, which makes proper waste management impossible without public participation. Among the various components of MSW management, storage and collection processes, as well as the formulation and collection of service fees, are of particular importance due to their direct interaction with the public and their strong dependence on the level of citizen engagement. In recent years, economic instruments have been recognized as vital mechanisms to enhance public participation and ensure the successful implementation of waste management programs. One such instrument is the "Pay-As-You-Throw" (PAYT) system, a method for setting and collecting waste management service fees. When implemented correctly, PAYT not only ensures the economic sustainability of the overall waste management system but also acts as a driving force for waste reduction, source separation, and greater community involvement in waste management practices. Nevertheless, implementing PAYT can pose social challenges that require identification and prioritization of appropriate strategies to address them. In this context, assessing public satisfaction and participation, as well as evaluating the cooperation of key stakeholders, becomes critically important—this is the primary objective of the present study.
Materials and Methods: This research utilizes data collected via questionnaires from 1,150 households in Tehran, selected through a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. By combining qualitative analysis of key variables and employing a logistic regression model, the study investigates the factors influencing proposed strategies aimed at enhancing public cooperation in implementing the PAYT scheme in Tehran. 
Results: The findings reveal that 55% of citizens consider education and public awareness campaigns through various media channels as an effective solution for the success of this plan. Transparency in the dissemination of waste management costs and related information by the municipality ranks second, with 18% of respondents identifying it as a priority. Furthermore, an assessment of the potential impacts of PAYT implementation shows that the composite index of anticipated effects is 0.61 (on a 0 to 1 scale), indicating a cautiously optimistic but not strongly affirmative public perception. While citizens are hopeful about the environmental and equity-based benefits of this system, they also express concerns about its implementation, costs, and the potential for illegal behaviors. The logistic regression model further demonstrates that the composite index of anticipated effects has a statistically significant positive influence on the likelihood of awareness-raising strategies contributing to public cooperation in the PAYT scheme. 
Discussion: Therefore, it is recommended that the PAYT system be introduced to the public using simple and clear language, accompanied by comprehensive information dissemination to foster a stronger sense of community involvement. Additionally, a pilot implementation in selected neighborhoods of Tehran is advised to gather real-time feedback and refine the proposed strategies. Ultimately, enhancing the transparency of information flow including topics such as the calculation method of waste management service fees, the funds collected from citizens, and the extent of fee reductions for more participatory residents through the development of online platforms that provide citizens with access to clear and transparent information (especially in more developed areas) can play a significant role in the successful implementation of the plan.