Background: Region 5 of Tehran is a very large and important zone due to population, size, geographical position and number of areas. This region is appropriate for performing separation of solid wastes plan. This study investigated economical and environmental potential of municipal solid wastes in region 5 of Tehran.

  Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in 2011. Data were collected from interview with the manager of solid wastes recycle in this region and studying documents and library searching. Data were then analyzed by SPSS 16.

  Results: Paper and cardboard recycled contain 32.1% of total solid wastes recycled per month (1361 tons). Also, recycled percentage of waste bread, plastics and pet, metals, glass, and textiles were 13.7%, 16. 5%, 6.2%, and 4.3% respectively. Recycled papers (16332 tons per year) cause to save 3266400000 Rials due to selling of paper, 2345490000 Rials due to prevention of tree-cutting and 8201547648, 9933840 and 928998000 Rials from decreasing of energy and water using and reduction of collection and transportation costs of solid wastes respectively.

  Conclusion : Considering these results, source separation and recycle plan of solid wastes in region 5 of Tehran is critical and can be resolve many economical and environmental problems.