20-May-2024-Special-Article

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 

Solid waste management is a critical issue in India, particularly in urban areas like New Delhi, where improper waste disposal and management pose severe threats to public health and the environment.  

With India generating millions of tonnes of waste annually, effective management practices are essential to mitigate these risks. 

About Solid Waste 

Solid waste includes household waste, sanitary waste, commercial waste, institutional waste, market waste, street sweepings, silt from drains, horticulture, agriculture and dairy waste, treated biomedical waste, excluding industrial, bio-medical, e-waste, battery, and radioactive waste. 

• Statistics: India, with 18% of the global population, generates 12% of the world’s municipal waste. Annually, India produces 62 million tonnes of waste, with only 70% collected, 20% treated, and the remainder dumped in landfills. 

                                    

Key Issues in Solid Waste Management 

Poor Implementation of Rules 

• Garbage Bins: Many metro cities have insufficient, old, or damaged garbage bins. 
• Waste Segregation: Lack of segregation at the source leads to mixed waste in landfills, violating the Solid Waste Management Rules 2016. 
• Irregular Collection: Some areas lack regular waste collection, leading to accumulation and littering. 

Problems with Dumping Sites 

• Land Scarcity: Waste processing plants face land shortages, leading to untreated waste and illegal dumping. 
• Environmental Hazards: Unprocessed waste results in methane emissions, leachates, and landfill fires. 
• Biomining Delays: Efforts to manage legacy waste are slow, extending the environmental impact. 

Lack of Data Collection 

• Private Sector Challenges: Without historical or regional data, private companies struggle to assess the market size and profitability of waste management projects. 

Formal and Informal Waste Management Systems 

• Service Gaps: Municipal services often fall short in low-income areas, where informal waste pickers operate without safety gear, exposing them to health risks. 

Lack of Public Awareness 

• Improper Practices: There is widespread lack of awareness about proper waste management, leading to littering and improper disposal habits. 

                         

Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 

• Replaced Previous Rules: Superseded the Municipal Solid Wastes (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000. 
• Segregation at Source: Generators must segregate waste into wet (biodegradable), dry (plastic, paper, metal, wood), and domestic hazardous waste. 
• Responsibilities of Generators: 
• User Fee: Generators must pay waste collectors. 
• Spot Fine: For littering and non-segregation. 
• Biodegradable Waste: Should be composted or bio-methanated on premises as much as possible. 
• Manufacturers’ Responsibility: Those producing disposable products must assist local authorities in waste management. 

Other Initiatives Related to Waste Management 

Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016: Minimizes plastic waste generation and promotes segregated storage. 

Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules 2016: Manages daily biomedical waste from healthcare facilities. 

Waste to Wealth Portal: Identifies technologies to treat waste and generate energy. 

Waste to Energy: Converts solid waste into electricity and heat. 

Project REPLAN: Produces carry bags from plastic waste and cotton fiber. 

Way Forward 

Role of Municipalities 

• Enhance Capacities: Cities must boost waste processing capabilities, considering future growth. 
• Consultation: Identify land, set up, and operate plants through stakeholder consultation. 

Waste-to-Energy Justification 

• Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF): Non-recyclable dry waste with high calorific value can be used for power generation. 

Decentralized Waste Processing 

• Collaborative Efforts: Metros like Delhi should work with neighboring states to set up composting facilities. 
• Micro-Composting Centres (MCC): Implement in each ward for wet waste (inspired by Tamil Nadu & Kerala). 
• Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCC): Establish in each ward for dry waste (inspired by Bengaluru). 

Integrated Approach 

• Combination of Methods: Use both decentralized options and large-scale facilities to ensure comprehensive waste treatment. 

Conclusion 

Effective solid waste management is essential for maintaining public health and environmental safety.  

By addressing current challenges and implementing strategic solutions, India can improve its waste management practices, leading to a cleaner and healthier environment.  

Empowering municipalities, enhancing public awareness, and integrating innovative technologies are key steps towards sustainable waste management. 

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the major challenges in solid waste management in urban India and suggest sustainable solutions to mitigate these issues. (150 WORDS)