Introduction: In recent decades, with the rapid increase in population, industrialization of societies, changes in lifestyle, and the growing diversity of human needs, the production of waste and residues have increased, resulting in negative consequences for human health and the environment. Rural areas have also faced various types of waste and their adverse impacts, making waste management one of the fundamental challenges for sustainable rural development aimed at environmental preservation. In this context, the present study was conducted with the objective of identifying challenges, analyzing problems, and proposing strategies for rural waste management (a case study of villages in Shahroud city) to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles, issues, and limitations that have led to improper rural waste management in the study area. This comprehensive understanding of the current situation will pave the way for targeted programs to overcome barriers and properly manage rural waste among the villages studied.
Materials and Methods: This research is field-based in terms of data collection, applied in terms of purpose, and descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology. The statistical population included village heads, council members, and residents of the villages in Shahroud County, from which 380 individuals were selected using Cochran’s formula. Data collection was conducted through two methods: documentary and survey. The documentary method was used to review background information and clarify the issue, while the survey method involved data gathering using observation, interviews, and questionnaires completed by residents. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and exploratory factor analysis techniques.
Results: The results from the exploratory factor analysis indicated that waste management in these villages faces multiple problems. Overall, seven factors—disposal management (variance percentage 25.2%), environmental (variance percentage 18.1%), health (variance percentage 12.2%), educational (variance percentage 11.1%), facilities and equipment (variance percentage 9.7%), cultural (variance percentage 6.3%), and awareness (variance percentage 4.9%)—explained 87% of the total variance related to rural waste management problems in the study area.
Discussion: These factors can lead to consequences such as soil and water pollution, increased diseases, and threats to residents’ health. Achieving sustainable development in the rural areas of Shahroud requires a comprehensive approach to waste management, integrating cultural, social, economic, and institutional measures, and actively engaging local people and officials. This approach not only helps preserve the environment and the health of rural communities but also fosters economic growth and improves the quality of life for residents in these regions. To realize sustainable development in Shahroud’s rural areas through improved waste management, a set of key actions and strategies must be pursued, which can be categorized into three dimensions: infrastructural, cultural-social, and institutional-economic. Planning for proper waste management and paying attention to the harmful effects of waste on the environment are essential principles for securing the long-term benefits of the country’s sustainable development. Finally, composting is proposed as a low-cost and effective solution for managing organic waste in rural communities. Increasing public knowledge about waste separation and the importance of recycling through educational programs and informational sessions, along with developing infrastructure aimed at reducing environmental impacts, enhancing economic efficiency, and improving the quality of life in rural areas, is strongly recommended.