Objective: The aim of this study is to develop a waste disposal management model for transit cities, with Rudbar as a case study.

Methods: This research adopts a mixed-methods (qualitative–quantitative) approach. The statistical population in the quantitative phase consisted of citizens and shopkeepers in Rudbar City, from whom 384 respondents were selected using an accessible random sampling method. Qualitative data were analyzed through coding techniques, while quantitative data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) implemented in SmartPLS 3 software.

Findings: The findings indicate that five key factors influence waste disposal management: waste separation management, government support and management, public awareness management, specialized awareness management, and mechanization of waste disposal systems. Among these factors, mechanization of waste disposal systems showed the strongest effect, whereas specialized awareness management exhibited the weakest influence.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that establishing mechanized systems and expanding waste management machinery can provide a favorable foundation for improving waste disposal management in Rudbar City.