Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Management in the City of Baku: Contemporary Challenges and Innovative Solutions

Because of population growth, rapid urbanization, expanding consumption habits, and intensive economic activity, there has been a steady increase in the generation of municipal solid waste, making its effective management one of the key challenges for the sustainable development of modern cities. Against the backdrop of increasing anthropogenic impact, traditional approaches to waste management are no longer capable of ensuring a stable level of environmental protection, resource efficiency, or adherence to the principles of the circular economy. In Baku, this issue has become relevant due to the city's rapid social and economic development, population growth, and the need to upgrade the existing waste management system in line with current international environmental standards. The aim of this study is to conduct an all-round assessment of the current state of the municipal solid waste management system in Baku, identify the principal environmental, organizational, and technological challenges, and develop innovative solutions aimed at increasing the overall effectiveness of the system. This research includes an analysis of the waste management infrastructure, the regulatory and legal framework, the best international practices, and advanced technological approaches, with particular emphasis on the principles of the circular economy, resource conservation, and the digitalization of waste management processes. The results of the study are expected to identify priority directions for advancing the municipal solid waste management system in Baku, substantiate the feasibility of implementing innovative organizational and technological solutions, and provide scientifically grounded recommendations directed at decreasing the environmental impacts of waste, growing resource efficiency, and facilitating the transition toward a sustainable waste management model consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.