A number of factors have contributed to the increase in waste production and diversity of waste, such as the increase in population, alterations in consumption patterns, economic development, income changes, urbanization, and industrialization. The production of different types of waste, such as electronic, urban, hospital, and industrial waste, makes it necessary to classify waste accurately and recognize effective criteria for waste management. To design and operate waste management systems, it is necessary to understand the sources and types of waste, as well as information about their composition and rate of production. As a result, this study aims to rank 21 types of waste according to Iran’s economic, social, and environmental criteria, as well as 13 sub-criteria related to those criteria. For this aim, proposed a novel decision-making approach based on the extension of the base criterion method (BCM) and combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) methods under fuzzy Z -numbers. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and comprehensive analysis are conducted on the results of the criteria and alternatives of sustainable waste management. Based on the results of this study, direct profit and reduced landfill are the most important criteria for assessing sustainable waste management alternatives. According to the results of this study, the sub-alternative of industrial metal waste is the most important waste management option. Examining the next sub-alternative ranks under sustainable waste management options (mobile, communication equipment, and battery) shows that electronic waste requires more attention for recycling and sustainable waste management. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11356-023-26380-z.