“Waste management in India”

1: -Introduction
Waste management or waste disposal includes the
processes and actions required to manage waste from
its inception to its final disposal. This includes
the collection, transport, treatment, and disposal of
waste, together with monitoring and regulation of the
waste management process and waste-related laws,
technologies, and economic mechanisms.
Waste can either be solid, liquid, or gases and each
type has different methods of disposal and
management. Waste management deals with all types
of waste, including industrial, biological, household,
municipal, organic, biomedical, radioactive wastes. In
some cases, waste can pose a threat to human
health. Health issues are associated with the entire
process of waste management. Health issues can also
arise indirectly or directly: directly through the
handling of solid waste, and indirectly through the
consumption of water, soil, and food. Waste is
produced by human activity, for example, the
extraction and processing of raw materials. Waste
management is intended to reduce the adverse effects
of waste on human health, the environment, planetary
resources, and aesthetics.
The aim of waste management is to reduce the
dangerous effects of such waste on the environment
and human health. A big part of waste management
deals with municipal solid waste, which is created by
industrial, commercial, and household activity.
Waste management practices are not the same across
countries (developed and developing nations); regions
(urban and rural areas),
and residential and industrial sectors can all take
different approaches.
Effective 'Waste Management' involves the practice of
'7R' - 'R'efuse, 'R'educe', 'R'euse, 'R'epair, 'R'epurpose,
'R'ecycle and 'R'ecover. Amongst these '7R's, the first
two ('Refuse' and 'Reduce') relate to the non-creation
of waste - by refusing to buy non-essential products
and by reducing consumption. The next two ('Reuse'
and 'Repair') refer to increasing the usage of the
existing product, with or without the substitution of
certain parts of the product. 'Repurpose' and 'Recycle'
involve maximum usage of the materials used in the
product, and 'Recover' is the least preferred and least
efficient waste management practice involving the
recovery of embedded energy in the waste material.
2: -Importance of waste management
a)Environmental Protection
Proper waste management helps prevent pollution of
air, water, and soil. It reduces the release of harmful
substances into the environment, minimizing negative
impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.
b) Resource Conservation
It involves recycling and reusing materials, reducing the
need for new raw materials. This conserves natural
resources and energy, leading to more sustainable
production processes.
c) Energy Savings
Many waste management practices, such as recycling
and waste-to-energy technologies, generate renewable
energy or recover energy from waste. This reduces the
reliance on fossil fuels and helps combat climate
change.
d) Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Proper waste management, including recycling and
composting, reduces methane emissions from landfills
and the need for energy-intensive production of new
materials, thereby mitigating climate change.
e) Health and Safety
It can lead to disease transmission, water
contamination, and air pollution. It minimizes health
risks for communities and workers in the waste
industry.
f) Aesthetic Improvement
Proper waste disposal and cleanliness contribute to
visually appealing surroundings, enhancing the quality
of life for residents and attracting tourism.
g) Economic Benefits
It creates job opportunities in recycling, waste
collection, processing, and related industries. It also
reduces the costs of waste cleanup, disposal, and
environmental remediation.

3: -principles of waste management

The Waste Management principles are based on the 7
R’s which are mentioned below-
a)Refuse
People should refrain from purchasing items that are
excessively packaged or that are packed in plastic bags,
such as vegetables, because they may affect the
environment. When making grocery shop purchases,
they are required to have a reusable bag with them.
Even though it can be challenging, making an effort to
avoid plastic products will help reduce plastic waste
and promote effective waste management.
b)Rethink
Rethinking before making a purchase will help you
avoid making unnecessary purchases since if we
acquire new products and do not use them effectively,
they will go to waste and cause water or land pollution.
For instance, to reduce plastic water bottles,
consumers should use reusable bottles made of
stainless steel or glass. It will protect both the
environment and personal space.
c) Reduce
Reducing waste can be accomplished by making tiny
adjustments to daily activities. People can start
reducing the waste in their homes by using less plastic,
recycling glass jars, buying in bulk, reusing storage
containers, and utilizing recycled paper for packing.
While businesses can also reduce industrial waste by
acquiring recycled paper or preserving papers in the
system. These will all have a significant impact on
preserving nature.
d)Reuse and repair
Before throwing something out, people should think of
methods to repair or recycle anything. Products that a
person cannot reject, reduce or reuse may be
repurposed. Upcycling is another name for
repurposing.
Since most people are selling reusable items by
employing their imagination and producing imaginative
and moving results, this idea primarily aids in reducing
waste. The consumption of materials will be reduced as
a result of repairs. Avoid throwing away items that can
be fixed because doing so will increase costs and
negatively impact the environment.
e)Reuse
Recycling is the most effective technique to repurpose
trash and lessen waste because it uses less energy,
time, and money. Many companies now produce
recyclable goods, and consumers choose to buy them
since they contribute to environmental conservation.
f) Rot
Food waste is recycled through composting to create
nutrient-rich soil. To safeguard ecological health,
individuals and organizations should take preventative
measures to reduce organic waste. For the garbage to
decay quickly, it must be properly separated.
Biodegradable trash is converted into fertilizer through
the composting process, which can then be used to
plant trees.
4: -Types of dustbins
Different types of waste are disposed of in different
coloured dustbins:
a)Blue dustbin
Used for non-biodegradable waste like plastic bottles,
food packages, and plastic wrappers.
b)Green dustbin
Used for wet and biodegradable waste like fruits,
vegetables, flowers, tea bags, and other organic
debris. Green dustbins are also known as organic bins.
c) Red dustbin
Used for general household waste that cannot be
recycled or put in the organic’s bins.
d)Yellow dustbin
Used for disposing of papers and glass bottles.
NOTE: - Colour coding waste bins helps with
segregation and creates a healthy environment.

5: -Methods of waste disposals

a)Landfill
The oldest and most common method of waste
disposal, where solid and hazardous waste is poured
into the soil.

b) Incineration
Waste is burned to produce ash, flue gas, and heat,
which can be used to generate electricity.

c)Composting
Organic waste is converted into nutrient-rich
fertilizer. Composting can also help suppress plant
diseases, improve soil quality, and reduce pollution.

d)Recycling
Also known as physical reprocessing, recycling is ideal
for inorganic waste like glass, plastic, and metals.

e)Waste compaction
Waste is shredded into smaller pieces, mixed, and
placed to fill voids. This reduces the amount and size of
waste, which lowers pollution levels.
 f) Vermicomposting
Earthworms produce an organic manure called
vermicompost, which is a mixture of worm castings,
organic material, and live
earthworms. Vermicomposting is a good method for
disposing of non-toxic organic wastes.

g) Biogas generation
Waste materials are recovered to prevent them from
polluting landfills. Biogas generation also saves money,
energy, and material by treating waste on-site.

6: - What is liquid waste and its

management?
Liquid waste is water or other liquids that are no longer
fit for human use or the environment and require
management to prevent contamination and protect
public health. Liquid waste can include:
 Wastewater from homes, businesses, and other
facilities
 Industrial waste from manufacturing processes
 Toxic substances
 Fats, oils, and grease (FOG)
  Used oil
 Hazardous household liquids
 Cleaning fluids and pesticides
Liquid waste management involves the systematic
handling, treatment, and disposal of liquid waste. It
requires specialized tools and mechanisms, and
different methods apply to different types of liquid
waste. Some methods of liquid waste management
include:
 Wet or dry sanitation systems: Contain human
waste
 Septic tanks: Provide partial treatment of liquid
waste
 Anaerobic biogas reactors: Convert liquid waste
into sludge and biogas
 Plant-filled gravel filters: Use live plant roots to
remove contaminants
 Geological disposal: Bury radioactive waste
without the intention of retrieving it
Liquid waste management is especially important in
industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and oil and
gas.
7: How waste management Impact on
economy
Waste management has a significant impact on the
economy, both positively and negatively:
a) Economic growth
Waste management can help increase a country's
economic growth by creating new jobs and income
sources. Recycling and reusing waste can also improve
economic efficiency and help in the production,
distribution, and marketing of new products.
b)Cost
The cost of waste management can be high, especially
when factoring in the hidden costs of pollution, poor
health, and climate change. However, taking action on
waste management can limit these costs. For example,
a circular economy model could lead to a net gain of
USD 108.5 billion per year.
c) Environmental impact
Waste management can help control water, soil, and air
pollution, and support a healthy
environment. However, inadequate waste management
can contribute to climate change and plastic pollution.
d)Solid waste generation
Solid waste generation is growing rapidly, and is
expected to double in large and medium-sized cities
and triple in the poorest countries by 2050.

8: - Waste management market

The global waste management market size was valued
at USD 1,293.70 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow
at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%
from 2023 to 2030. The market is expected to be driven
by stringent government regulations such as the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Waste
Shipment Regulation for improving this service. During
the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the lockdown, waste
production decreased from the commercial and
industrial sectors as factories and offices were
completely or partially shut down. However, the urban
waste increased from residential areas. The reopening
of production facilities at the beginning of 2021 and
rising vaccination rates lead to the re-initiation of the
waste recycling industry and companies at their full-
scale capacities.
The U.S. was one of the majorly COVID-19 affected
countries, wherein the government had imposed a
lockdown in 2020 to control the spread of the virus,
resulting in the reduction of waste generation from the
industrial sector. By 2021, the production facilities have
started their operation, resulting in increased waste
generation, thereby impacting the market growth
positively.

9: - Why waste management Need of

hour?
Waste management is a need of the hour
in India because it helps to:
a) Reduce pollution
Waste is a major cause of environmental
degradation, and waste management can
help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and improve the quality of air, water, and
soil.
b) Build sustainable cities
Waste management can help to create
sustainable cities and promote new
business opportunities.
c) Create green jobs
Waste management can help to create
green jobs.
d) Fulfils civic responsibilities
Waste management services can help
organizations fulfil their civic
responsibilities.
e) Manage waste efficiently
Waste management services can help
organizations manage waste more
efficiently and effectively.
10: - India’s challenges
India faces challenges in managing waste.
The informal sector plays a significant role
in extracting value from waste, but many
challenges remain.
 Rapid urbanization: Urban areas with
377 million people generate about 62
million tons of solid waste every year.
 However, only 43 million tons are
collected, and the rest ends up
untreated or in landfills.
 E-waste is also a growing concern, with
projections showing a substantial
increase in e-waste generation.
 Lack of adequate garbage collection
infrastructure, with only 21 million
garbage collectors compared to China’s
700 million.
 Sorting recyclable materials is also a
problem, as only about 30% of waste is
properly sorted, leading valuable
materials like aluminium and plastics
to end up in landfills instead of being
recycled.
11: - The way forward in waste
management
There are several ways to improve waste
management, including:
a) Reduce, reuse, recycle
The 3 Rs of waste management are a good
place to start. You can reduce the amount
of waste you generate, reuse items, and
recycle what you can.
b) Waste segregation
Separate wet and dry waste at the source
to divert waste from the garbage stream.
c) Compost
Composting wet waste can improve soil
fertility and create high-quality manure.
d) Invest in waste treatment
technologies
Technologies like energy-from-waste and
composting plants can reduce the burden
on landfills.
 e) Public education
Public education campaigns can help
change attitudes towards waste
generation and disposal.
f) Stricter regulations
Stricter regulations on waste disposal can
help revolutionize the industry.
g) Industrial waste circularity
Industrial waste circularity can help
manage waste, reduce air and land
pollution, and conserve natural resources.
h) Real-time route optimization
Using data from sensors, garbage truck
routes can be optimized to save time,
money, and energy.
i) Public-private partnerships
Public-private partnerships and
community participation can help
promote responsible practices.
12: - How Swachh Bharat Mission helps in
waste management?
The Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India
Mission) helps with waste management in
several ways, including:
a) Waste collection, processing, and
disposal
The mission promotes scientific methods
for collecting, processing, and disposing of
municipal solid waste.
b) Waste segregation
The mission encourages households to
segregate waste into biodegradables and
dry waste.
c) Plastic waste management
The mission supports Gram Panchayats in
raising awareness about reducing single-
use plastic and managing plastic
waste. The mission also suggests a four-
step approach for managing plastic waste:
recover, reduce, reuse, and recycle.
d) Pilot projects
The mission's "Waste to Wealth Mission"
identifies pilot projects to test and learn
from different waste management
techniques. The lessons learned from
these projects will be used at other sites
across India.
e) Solid waste management
infrastructure
The mission aims to improve solid waste
management infrastructure and access to
services.
The Swachh Bharat Mission is a flagship
program of the Government of India. The
mission's goals include making India open
defecation free and improving the
management of solid and liquid waste.
13: - How Eco bricks helps in waste
management?
Eco bricks help with waste management
in several ways, including:
a) Preventing plastic from entering
the environment
Eco bricks trap plastic and keep it from
degrading and harming the environment.
b) Reducing energy use
Eco bricks remove plastic from the
industrial recycling system, which saves
energy.
 c) Reducing support for poor working
conditions
Eco bricks keep plastic local, which
reduces the need for the global
transportation of plastic and the jobs that
come with it.
d) Reducing pollution
Eco bricks reduce the amount of plastic
waste that is burned, which creates
pollution.
e) Reducing the harmful effects of
plastic degradation
Eco bricks prevent plastic from breaking
down into microplastics.
14: - Conclusion
Waste management is a vital practice for
protecting the environment and human
health. Here are some conclusions about
waste management:
 Sustainable practices: Sustainable
waste management practices, like
recycling, composting, and waste
reduction, can help reduce the
environmental impact and conserve
resources for future generations.
 Education: It's important to educate
people and encourage them to practice
the 3 R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.
 Waste disposal: Municipalities and
governments should prioritize waste
disposal.
 Individual involvement: Individual
involvement is essential.
 Waste production: Recycling products
can help reduce waste production and
generate new products.
 Employment: Waste management
systems create jobs for people who
may not have other employment
opportunities.
 Energy production: Many waste
products can be used to produce
energy. For example, some products
can generate heat when burned, and
organic products can be used as
fertilizers.
 Community participation: Active
community participation is required to
minimize landfill use.
 E-waste: Recycling e-waste on a large
scale is essential to solving the e-waste
disposal problem.