Urban Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability: Evidence from Sector 6, Bucharest

Abstract

Managing waste is a critical urban challenge in the 21st century, carrying substantial consequences for the environment, public health, and overall quality of life for residents. This paper analyzes the integrated waste management system in Sector 6 of Bucharest Municipality, with the aim of identifying the main problems, opportunities and good practices applicable in the Romanian urban context. The study combines documentary analysis of local and national policies, statistical data on waste collection and recycling, as well as interviews with local authorities and sanitation operators. The results highlight the need for an integrated strategy that includes selective collection, efficient recycling, environmental education of the population and investments in modern waste management infrastructure. The paper concludes that the success of integrated waste management depends on the collaboration between authorities, citizens and private operators, and the implementation of coherent and sustainable policies can contribute to reducing the negative impact on the environment and increasing the quality of life in the analyzed urban sector. Keywords: waste management, urban sector, selective collection, recycling, public policies, Bucharest