Abstract: The main objective of a solid waste management system is to effectively safeguard the public health, safety and welfare. This study demonstrates the present status of plastic waste management in Tehran and outlines the principle guidelines and policies regarding collection, handling and recycling of plastic waste and its microbial pollution in Tehran. Results showed that about 2,125,688 and 2,355,740 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) were generated per year in Tehran in 1999 and 2003, respectively. The plastic has grown than other category of MSW in Tehran from 8.01% by weight in 1999 to 9.61% in 2003. Approximately 50 tons per year of total plastic waste recycled and the others dispose in the Kahrizak landfill. The thermoplastic waste produced annually has begun to increase from 1.5% by weight in 1999 to 2.88% in 2003. According to the studies on plastics recycling in Tehran, there are a significant difference in terms of technological and scientific aspects of recycling between industrial countries and our country. Plastic recycling is carring out mechanically in Tehran. However, this simple method is not scientifically approved for collection, separation, recycling process and products generation. The results obtained by microbial tests form samples of recycled products showed the contamination of products such as Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Serratia and Entrobacter. Thus, the generated products have low quality because of lack of continual monitoring and technical program on plastic recycling and lack of public participation.