An article on municipal waste management and solid waste management in India. Includes history, changing trends in the sector, and current industry trends.
Background
Municipal waste management and solid waste management in india are complex issues, with a large number of stake holders. The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated by an urban population of 1 crore is estimated to be around 1,500 metric tonnes.
Solid waste management in India has traditionally been characterised by dumping of untreated municipal solid waste (MSW) into the environment. This leads to environmental pollution, public health hazards and social problems such as noise and smell nuisance. General objectives of municipal solid waste management are to reduce generation of MSW, manage it scientifically and reduce its impact on the environment.
The present scenario
In India, municipal solid waste (MSW) is generated by a population of over 1 crore people residing in cities. An estimate puts the total volume at around 1,500 metric tonnes, making it one of the largest sources of pollution in the country. It contributes to environmental pollution, public health hazards and social problems such as noise and smell nuisance. In recent times, there has been a growing concern about potential adverse impacts of uncontrolled burning or dumping of MSW on climate change.
The objective of municipal solid waste management is to reduce generation and disposal of this garbage while also managing it scientifically for optimum reduction
Benefits of Waste Management in India
Waste management is essential to manage all types of municipal solid waste in a sustainable way. Here are some benefits of waste management in India:
1. Reduction in pollution: Proper management of municipal solid waste reduces pollution levels by reducing the amount of garbage that goes into the environment. This is because waste that is properly disposed of does not release pollutants into the environment.
2. Reduction in costs: Proper management of municipal solid waste can save public and private organisations money. This is because it can reduce the need for landfill disposal, which is expensive and environmentally damaging.
3. Reduction in waste generation: Proper management of municipal solid waste can lead to a reduction in the amount of waste that is produced. This is because it leads to more efficient use of resources and less trash ending up in landfills, which can be harmful to the environment.
4. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: Proper management of municipal solid waste can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This is because it reduces the amount of garbage that needs to be burned for disposal, which releases harmful gases into the air.
India’s Solid Waste Target
India has set a target of generating 120 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) by 2019 from its current level of 65 million tonnes. The country also aims to recycle 70% of MSW by the same year, up from the current level of 50%.
The challenge for India is to find an affordable, sustainable and reliable solution to manage its mounting municipal solid waste. Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) refers to the collection, sorting, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste from households and institutions. In India, MSWM is principally carried out by municipalities.
Municipalities in India generate a large volume of trash – about twice as much as China and three times as much as the US. However, unlike China where landfills are densely populated and heavily polluted, most Indian landfills are spread out and have low capacities. This is partly because Indians typically dispose of rubbish in open fields rather than in sealed containers or sacks that can be transported easily to a landfill.
In addition to inadequate land resources, India’s weak infrastructure makes it difficult to transport garbage far away from populated areas. This means that even if a municipality has an adequate landfill site,
India’s Policy on Waste Management
India has a long and complex history when it comes to solid waste management. The country has undergone various policy changes in this area over the years, with municipalities often playing a pivotal role in determining how best to manage waste. In this article, we will explore India’s Municipal Waste Management Policy, and look at the key challenges that municipalities face when trying to comply with regulations.
India has a National Solid Waste Management Policy (NSWMP), which was adopted in 2001. The NSWMP is based on the premise that municipal solid waste can be managed sustainably and effectively through the coordinated efforts of all levels of government. The policy sets out guidelines for managing solid waste from its sources (landfills, collection points, etc.) to its final disposal facility.
The NSWMP calls for the establishment of decentralized solid waste management systems, which should involve all relevant stakeholders (municipalities, industries, etc.). These systems should be designed to achieve three objectives:
1) Ensure proper segregation of wastes;
2) Reduce hazardous materials; and
3) Minimize environmental impact.
The NSWMP also calls for the development of waste minimization plans, which
Conclusion
India is a country with a rapidly growing population and an ever-growing waste problem. Municipal solid waste (MSW) generation in India has been increasing by 5 to 6 percent every year for the past few decades, and it is projected to grow even more in the coming years as the population continues to grow. In order for India to manage this burgeoning waste problem, it will need to adopt modern solid waste management practices that are sustainable and cost-effective.