Overview of Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Composition, and Management in India

Abstract

India has drawn the world’s attention due to the high-paced growth of industrialization, urbanization, and population. However, another aspect of higher economic development has resulted in increased waste generation and consumption of natural resources, and hence ecological degradation and pollution. As awareness increases of the detrimental effects of currently used waste disposal methods on the environment, accountability is needed for an effective waste management system. This paper presents the existing situation of municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, composition, management, and problems associated with it in Indian cities. Statistically, urban India produced around 62 Mt of solid waste (450 g/capita/day) in 2015. Approximately 82% of MSW was collected and the remaining 18% was litter. The waste treated was only 28% of the collected waste, and the remaining 72% was openly dumped. Waste collection efficiency ranges between 70% and 95% in major metropolitan cities, whereas in several smaller cities it is below 50%. Most urban local bodies (ULBs) are unable to manage such a large amount of solid waste due to financial debilities and inadequate infrastructure. Source segregation of waste, doorstep collection, options for recycling and reuse, technologies for treatment, land availability, and disposal competence are a few of the prime challenges. Addressing these challenges, this paper discusses the current government’s policies, financial supports, and incentives for solid waste management (SWM), as well as gaps and suggestions of current SWM rules. This paper also addresses a comparative view of MSW management in different countries and adoption of waste processing technologies for a particular place in India. This study can assist decision makers, planners, municipal authorities and researchers to create a more efficient plan for the current status of, challenges of, and barriers to SWM in India.