Solid Waste – An Environmental Crisis

Solid Waste – An Environmental Crisis

Presently, average generation of waste is about 350 grams per capita per day. However, the infrastructure for waste management is poor and there is nearly no system to enable residents to safely manage their waste. There is no proper waste collection system. The land available for waste management is limited and the dumping sites are overflowing with mixed waste.

Cause of the Problem

• Lack of Public awareness

• High population density

  • Huge quantities of waste are generated and handling such large amounts requires larger area and manpower.

  • Due to excessive load on land resource, it is difficult to procure land for solid waste management.

• No focus on waste reduction

  • With urban lifestyle and increasing packaging material, waste reduction, the most important pillar of waste management is not being talked of.

• Lack of Infrastructure

  • Lack of proper equipment, trained manpower or material recovery facility.

• Mindset of disregard for Environment

  • old practises of burning of waste especially dry leaves in summer season.

• Use of plastics

  • People are attracted towards using plastic due to its accessibility, ease of use and affordability.

  • Lack of other attractive options is also a major reason for continuing use of plastics despite people being aware of its harmful effects.

Hierarchy of Waste Management

The hierarchy of waste management recognizes that reducing the use of materials and re-using them to be the most environmentally friendly. Source reduction begins with reducing the amount of waste generated and re-using materials to prevent them from entering the waste stream. Material recovery from waste in the form of recycling and composting is recognized to be the most effective way of handling wastes.

Composition of Waste

1. Almost 50 % of Municipal Solid Waste is Wet waste and can be converted into manure.

2. To reduce Transportation cost Compost Units have been decentralized - small compost units in each locality rather than one big unit in city outskirts.

3. Recyclables constitute around 17 % of total Municipal Solid Waste.

4. Inert constitute around 32 % of total Municipal Solid Waste.

Value from Waste and Sustainable development

1. Organic fertilizers can be obtained from Biodegradable and dairy wastes processed by composting, vermi-composting, bio-methanation, etc.

2. horticulture waste can be composted within parks and gardens to make optimum use of such wastes and minimize the cost of collection and transportation of such waste.

3. segregated recyclable material can be sent to the recycling industry through waste pickers or any other Agency engaged for the purpose.

4. Residual combustible wastes should be utilized for supplying as a feedstock for preparing refuse derived fuel (RDF) or for generating energy or power from the waste by adopting proven waste to energy technologies keeping in mind emission standards.

5. Non-recyclable plastics and other high calorific content waste may be utilized for co-processing or manufacturing of products such as door panels.

6. Construction and demolition and other inert wastes should be utilized for making bricks or other construction materials

7. landfill should only be permitted for non-usable, non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, non-combustible and non-reactive inert waste and other wastes

8. All old open dumpsites and existing operational dumpsites should be carefully investigated and analyzed about their potential of bio-mining and bio-remediation.

Decentralised Composting

MC should adopt suitable technologies with emphasis on decentralized processing to make use of all components of wastes that can be processed for cost recovery and to minimize burden on landfill. Composting of wet waste, which constitutes 50% of the Municipal waste, and horticulture waste can be done at ward level and/or in public parks. The following preconditions must be in place to start ward level composting.

1. Robust door to door segregated waste collection system using vehicles with partition.

2. Availability of compost pits within the sector/ward.

3. Availability of 1-2 part time employees to handle pit sites.

4. Shaded place or overhead shed structure at the compost pit site.

Why Source Segregation of Waste?

Encouraging waste segregation at the source is crucial

• Mixing wet, dry, and hazardous waste makes recycling, upcycling, and composting difficult.

• Mixed waste leads to issues like overflowing landfills, pollution, and health risks.

• Segregating waste at source ensures efficient resource recovery

• Wet waste can be composted to produce organic manure, contributing to a greener India.

• Dry waste can be recycled, reused, or upcycled, reducing the amount of waste going to landfills.

• Hazardous waste can be treated and incinerated properly, minimizing environmental damage

• Waste segregation helps clean and protect the environment, conserve resources, and create a healthier and more responsible India.

• Encourage people to use 3 Dustbins to segregate wet, dry, and hazardous waste.