Unlocking the Potential of Municipal Solid Waste

The more conventional methods of managing waste, such burning and landfilling, become unsustainable. Landfills, although still in widespread usage, are land-use intensive and provide long-term environmental hazards, such as methane emissions and groundwater contamination. Even while incineration is a good way to reduce trash volume, it is energy-intensive and emits dangerous emissions. Cities are looking for new and creative approaches to manage garbage sustainably as conventional approaches become less practical.

- MAHESH GIRDHAR

The rapid urbanisation of the world's population has led to significant challenges in waste management. Starting from household refuse, industrial byproducts, construction debris to electronic waste, the amount of waste generated by the inhabitants of the cities is growing manifold with every passing day. Managing this waste has become a critical issue for urban areas, as improper disposal can lead to environmental degradation, public health crises and economic inefficiencies.

With a population of over 1.4 billion, India produces immense amounts of waste, including municipal solid waste (MSW), construction and demolition waste and agro-industrial waste. According to the State of India's Environment 2023 report, MSW generation is estimated at approximately 150,000 tonnes per day (TPD). The critical condition of waste management in the country calls for the need to act responsibly, immediately to protect the planet. Now is the time to embrace the principles of a circularity to significantly reduce the burden on landfills.

The Growing Challenge of Urban