The importance of work experience as opposed to education on the opinion of waste management professionals in Tehran

Purpose Waste management is an important environmental issue in many countries, and is poised to increase in importance in the future. The purpose of the study was to illicit correlations between gender, education, work experience, etc. and the attitude of waste experts towards various issues. Design/methodology/approach A survey was designed and distributed to waste management experts in Tehran. A total of 27 responses were received. Statistical analysis was used to discern correlations between the responses and other parameters. Findings Interestingly, education level did not correlate with any responses, indicating that exposure to academia does not influence opinions regarding waste management. This may be an indication that the topic of waste management is not properly addressed at universities in Iran, or that waste management experts have not studied relevant fields to their line of work. Conversely, the years of work experience in the waste management sector did correlate with various responses, suggesting that work experience has a much higher effect in shaping opinions rather than the years spent studying. Originality/value The study sheds light on the facts that (1) the syllabus taught in universities does not provide enough information to students regarding waste management and does not shape their opinions (and/or) (2) those who have chosen solid waste treatment and management as a career do not have the necessary academic background.