COMPLICATIONS AND KEYS TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA

AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 A Peer Reviewed International Journal of Asian Academic Research Associates AARJMD ASIAN ACADEMIC RESEARCH JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY COMPLICATIONS AND KEYS TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA MS. VAISHALI GUPTA1; DR. SUSHMA GOEL2; DR. T.G. RUPA3 1 Department of Resource Management and Design Application, Department of Home Science, University of Delhi, 1 Sikandra Road, New Delhi 110001 2 Department of Resource Management and Design Application, Department of Home Science, University of Delhi, 1 Sikandra Road, New Delhi 110001 3 Department of Resource Management and Design Application, Department of Home Science, University of Delhi, 1 Sikandra Road, New Delhi 110001 Abstract Evolution of modern cities and progressing human civilization has led to complex habilitation exploring and depleting natural environment. Dependency of human beings on basic biological systems for life, health and amusement has had an impact on the conservation of ecosystem, climate stability and recovery of natural resources. Waste is a necessary evil and one human’s cant run away from. Numerous studies reveal that more than 60% of municipal solid waste generated in the country is disposed in an unscientific manner creating problems to environment and human wellbeing. The aim of the article is to provide a comprehensive review of environmental, social, health and economic impacts of solid waste and provide an overview of opportunities for laying the foundation to healthy living. The study is concluded with few effective solutions for encouraging mankind to work towards a healthy eco-system. Keywords: Solid waste, social impact, economic impact, health and environment Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 143 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 1. Introduction Modernization, urban development and technological advancements have its own share of disadvantages when it comes to environment. The main cause of concern in today’s world is increasing population and the rising demands for resources and materials, which has led to tremendous growth in the amount of waste generated daily. The waste collected by municipal corporations is supposed to be segregated and disposed (Sharholy, 2008). However, due to lack of various resources like economic crunch, manpower shortage and inefficient infrastructure, a fair share of waste finds its way into drains, roads and unauthorized open dumping sites. Waste is a reality and habitat is synonym with waste. Even though there is a system in place but unfit infrastructure, improper maintenance and work routine, leads to disposal of most of the waste generated in low-lying areas without precautions and functional control. Further, the growth of urban cities and unplanned development adds to the difficulties of effectively handling surplus waste and municipalities are not able to deliver the desired level of public services (Siddiqui, et.al., 2006). These prevailing situations demands attention towards management and disposal practices of waste to avoid adverse effect on human health, general population and surroundings as it can cause serious impact on social wellbeing and surroundings (Giusti, 2009). 1.1 Solid waste Solid waste is one of the most visible forms of pollution affecting human race. The status of solid waste management in India is associated with numerous environmental, social, health and economic shortcomings mainly attributing to political, institutional, technical and financial factors prevailing in the country (ESIA, 2012). According to Mr. Prakash Javedekar (Minister of state of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2015) the burden of solid waste in India amounts to 62 million tonnes, which is estimated to increase to around 165 million tonnes by 2030. Among the waste generated annually in the country, 5.6 million tonnes is plastic, 15 million tonnes is e-waste, hazardous waste amounts to 7.90 million tonnes and 0.17 million tonnes is biomedical waste. Further, studies reveal that only 75-80% of municipal solid waste is collected at present and only 2228% of this waste is processed and treated in India (MoEF, 2016). Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 144 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 Compared to western countries, the composition and hazardous nature of waste generated in India differs greatly. Waste generated in India contains almost 40-60% of organic / wet waste, 30-40% ash and fine earth and the remaining includes paper (3-6%), plastic, metals, and glass (Kaushal, et.al, 2012). 1.2 Solid waste Management If managed effectively the load on handling waste can be reduced to atleast 40% leaving more space in landfill sites and reducing health impacts considerably. The concept of Solid Waste Management (SWM) has evolved over a period of time beginning from a simple process of waste generation to disposal; management of solid waste has developed into a planned system of efficient and effective manner of collecting, storing, processing and disposal, which is socially acceptable, environmentally sound and economically viable (Breeze, 2012). The way the current systems of handling waste works is crucial not only for public health but also safeguarding the environment (Rushton,2003). Currently the country is facing a serious threat of insufficient resources and missing technological expertise, which is necessary for treatment of waste. The methods of disposal accepted in India mainly includes open dumping and landfill with little waste being treated at waste to energy plants and composting units (UNEP, 2009). 2.0 Environmentally significant behavior It is a term used for describing the behavior that brings positive or negative consequences for the environment (Stern, 2000). It has further been argued that that there are two different perspectives to Environmentally significant behavior - Impact oriented/Role of Impact and actor oriented/Role of Input. The two perspectives are important when identifying the behavior that causes negative environment impact and focusing on individual’s motive towards certain behavior (Selin, 2013) - Role of Impact: The impact of population on waste generation, application and disposal. - Role of Input – People’s participation in order to contribute to efficient management of waste. There is a close relationship between environment and economics. With increase in economic activities, exploitation of natural resources also rises leading to its depletion. Though it is not Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 145 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 possible to list the ills of inappropriate disposal of solid waste, several studies have been conducted to examine the health, environmental, social and economic effects arising from illegitimate dumping of waste (Sankoh, et.al., 2013) A report released by ISWA emphasized on people’s participation in solid waste management has two roles to play (Figure 1) (ISWA, n.d.): Figure 1:Environmetal Significant Behaviour 2.1 Role of impact – The greatest disadvantage of modernization is pollution causing harm to all elements of earth – land, air, water, soil and life. Lack of facilities and regulations in India has resulted in degradation of many cities and affected the health of all living beings. Following are some effect that improper disposal of waste has had on welfare of country and its people. 2.1.1. Effect on Environmental Vulnerabilities:  Surface Water contamination: Improper disposal of waste leads to contamination of water bodies that negatively affect water sources causing water pollution and Leachate. The Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 146 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 chemical composition of water is altered which affects aquatic ecosystem and all living beings consuming it.  Soil Contamination: Untreated waste lying on ground can be the source for soil pollution. Hazardous chemicals produced in waste contaminate soil causing infectious plants, which are then consumed by animals and human. (www.ecoschooltoday.com, 2015)  Air Contamination: Unhealthy waste management practices may result in land and air pollution that adversely affect the health of all living beings; most commonly causing smog conditions and respiratory problems.  Generation of Green house gases: Municipal solid waste also produces gases like Methane, which has an inordinate potential to increase global warming more than carbon dioxide. Improper disposal of solid waste in India leads to emission of 6% of India’s Methane gas which is much higher than global average of 3% (Annepu, 2012)  Loss of Bio-diversity & habitat destruction: Biodiversity refers to life on earth starting from the smallest microorganisms to large complex systems (notice nature, n.d.). With fragmentation of habitat, animals also learn to survive in their new environment. Inappropriate waste dumping practices in landfills and oceans has been identified as a major factor behind endangerment and extinction of many plants and animals (Enzor, n.d.) 2.1.2. Effect on Economic growth:  Impact on Municipal Welfare: Clean spaces, comfortable facilities and appropriate sanitation services are important for any tourist place. But inappropriate disposal of waste, lack of basic cleanliness services and lower standards of living does not interest tourist and investors and in turn affects the name and profits of municipal corporations (www.ecoschooltoday.com, 2015).  Effect on Recycling Revenue: Recycling of municipal waste can be a good source of revenue for many municipalities. Cities missing out on recycling of products like paper, plastic, metal looses out on revenue, job opportunities, and businesses in the field (Brown et.al., 2011)  Sitting Resistance: Finding suitable land for dumping waste is a cause of concern as no one wants to live near a landfill. More than 80% of land around the landfill is usually not habituated because of difficult living conditions (ESIA, 2012). With urbanization, Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 147 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 identifying suitable land for landfills has also become difficult which in turn is leading to over burdening of existing landfill sites (DeLong, 1993). 2.1.3. Effect on Social and Urban Development:  Impact on social development – Hard economic conditions have forced many to depend on resources obtained from garbage for their survival. The risk to heath of such people is even more when domestic waste is merged with hazardous waste. It is mainly the waste scavengers and people residing close to dumping sites that are exposed to ill social environment (fighting, violence, increased morbidity, etc.). Such people get lesser attention from government, community, which further deteriorates their social condition. Attitude of people belonging to better social background, higher income group is profoundly different.  Impact on Urban development – Disposal of solid waste can also have an impact on the urban development of area and country. There is a lack of communication, absence of services and coverage that can lead to lack of social and civic discipline, lack of urban policies, ineffective government together that has lead to deterioration of living condition in recent years (Jaramillo, 2003). 2.1.4. Effect on Human health:  Disease Outbreak – One of the major dangers associated with unhealthy disposal of solid waste comes from spread of diseases caused by rodents and bugs. Lack of medical investments, weak environment legislation and poverty may lead to diseases like malaria, dengue and TB. People living near or walking over open pits and landfill sites with unsanitary conditions also help in spreading of diseases (Briggs, 2003)  Occupational health hazard – workers working with waste products containing chemicals and metals may experience exposure to toxic matter. Disposal of medical waste also requires special care as it can cause major health risks. Rag pickers and others involved in scavenging in the waste sites may also sustain injuries and attain infection through direct contact with infectious materials (edugreen.com, ???) 2.2. Role of Input The solution to the problem of waste lies within every individual of the country. It is most important to understand that controlling waste and implementing healthy waste practices is a group / community activity where every participant is required to put efforts. Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 148 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 For over two centuries, human race has been utilizing natural resources under the illusion that any form of pollution can be absorbed by environment and accepted resources to be manageable and expendable for all. However, the picture has changed and there is a need to shift from old systems of resource exploitation to new methods of conserving, recycling, reusing and composting resources (Eureka recycling, nd). The solution to the problem of solid waste can be clubbed under two heads –Recycling and Composting. 2.2.1. Recycling It is one of the most important actions available to reduce the impact of waste generation and irresponsible disposal on human health. It provides opportunities to reduce the load on landfill sites, generate employment, increase product shelf life and the quantities of waste requiring disposal. Following are the positive changes that recycling can provide (Hopewell, 2009). a) Economic:  Reduced load on land: Recycling of metal, plastic and other materials helps reduce the space required for landfills by reducing the volumes of waste dumped.  Reduction is post consumption: Recycling allows reuse of materials otherwise going to the landfill. The reducing in consumption of raw materials is made possible by recycling used materials like plastic, aluminium and paper replace virgin resources in manufacturing. This helps reducing the demand of oil, trees and plastic.  Source Segregation: Waste segregation and recycling at source is an economically viable solution, which not only reduces the cost of segregating waste but also makes it easy to collect segregated waste and send it for treatment.  Production cost: Recycling as a process may consumes huge amounts of energy and resources for transforming product into usable material. Manufacturers can significantly reduce the production costs by using recycled materials. Generally speaking, producing goods from recycled material consumes less energy compared to virgin raw materials.  Investment and Employment opportunity: Recycling can help empower poor by creating jobs and thus enabling them to improve their standard of living. It can also be seen as a Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 149 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 business opportunity, which creates jobs and gets government support to develop a profitable venture (Gupta, et.al, 1998) b) Environmental:  Reduction in green house gas emissions – The present production and consumption trends together with prevailing waste management systems has led to release of harmful gases. Using recycled raw material contributes towards achievement of climate action goals and provides benefits like job creation and resource conservation (Morrigan, 2011).  Reduce need to extract new resources – Recycling is the process of developing new from old. It substitutes fresh material with recycled raw material and in progression greatly reduces the harm done to mother earth for extracting natural resources from earth. (Eureka recycling, n.d.)  Cleaner air and surrounding: Waste generation is the fastest growing environmental pollution, which contributes to release of large amounts of CO2. Recycling is one way of adopting sustainable waste management approach that offers immediate and cost effective solutions to develop waste systems that encourage cleaner ecology and improve indoor air quality (CCAP, 2016).  Afforestation: Reuse and recycling of used material like furniture and paper reduces the burden on requirement for new material, which in turn helps conserve environment and promote afforestation. c) Social  Realizing social responsibility: Recycling at micro level is most important and the easiest way of reducing environmental impact and adopting green consciousness in daily life. It helps understanding social responsibility and encourage lifestyle changes for developing a sustainable surrounding (Friends of the Earth, 2008). d) Health:  Improved health and reduced incidents of illness: Recycling processes reduce the waste going to landfills and the pollution created by it. It helps in reducing the incidents of Leaching, generation of harmful gases, water pollution and loss of energy. Further it can assist in providing a clean surrounding to live and fresher air to breathe which is sure to improve the health of all living beings. Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 150 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 2.2.2. Composting It is an effective way to handle bio-degradable waste and reduce green house gasses threatening environment and life. It is a simple procedure that can be easily adopted at individual, community or industrial level. a) Environmental  Organic Manure and fertilizers – Composting is the process that allows organic materials to degrade naturally and form manure and fertilizers. These manures are excellent substitute for chemical fertilizers are they are free from all harmful chemicals that may alter soil type and food grown over it. Compost also helps in yielding better crop production by maintaining steady soil temperature.  Reduction in land space requirement – Similar to recycling, composting also reduces the load on landfills by treating organic matter. Almost 50 - 60% of solid waste generated in India is organic in nature and composting can help reduce load on landfill sites by half, thus giving them a longer life.  Reduce green house gas emission – Biodegradable products when disposed improperly can break down and produce gasses that contribute to the green house effect. Composting generates negligible quantities of green house gasses like Methane. b) Economic:  Little investment – Composting is light on pocket and easy to maintain. It reduces the cost of collecting and processing biodegradable material and it is the cheaper option for landfill, which may end up costing more than three times (Eco-Cycle, n.d.)  Compost market: As organic products are becoming more popular, the demand for organic manure has increased creating a whole new market for chemical free organic food. The use of compost has become progressively important both domestically and internationally. India being an agricultural country has huge potential to convert its green waste into healthy compost.  Reduced cost of growing food: Composting diminishes the need for harmful pesticides and insecticides. It also reduces incidents of insect / rodents / microorganisms that are attracted to chemical boosters. Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 151 AARJMD  VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 Reduced need to replenish soil: Growing food organically does not harm the soil the way chemicals do and thus there is no need to replenish soil. Studies suggest that organically prepared manure helps add minerals and replenish soil.  Waste segregation: Complete waste segregation is extremely important for organic waste to be separated from other wastes. This otherwise can hinder the process of composting. Separating green waste from the rest of the waste allows other materials to be segregated and recycled. c) Health  Availability of Organic food – Composting generates organic manure which supplies a variety of macro and micro nutrients to soil for growing healthy, nutrient rich food products free from pesticides and harmful chemicals (USCC, 2008).  Less number of disease outbreak – Organic compost has the ability to suppress numerous soil born pathogens and stabilize soil Ph balance that is useful for growing fruits and vegetables. The improved soil structure and erosion control properties of natural compost ensures reduced disease outbreak like insect in Cabbage (USCC, 2008). d) Social  Instill healthy waste segregation habit: Composting is one of the easiest form of composting at home. Developing a habit to segregate and compost bi-degradable waste is believed to eventually instill a healthy habit of segregation and recycling among people and society. 2.3. Other solutions  Reducing and Reusing waste: The first and most effective way of handling waste is to produce less. By changing simple change in our daily lifestyle it is possible to curb the problem of waste at source. Using glass / metal cutlery instead of disposables, carrying own water bottle instead of buying packaged water and cloth shopping bag in place of plastic bags are some simple remedies which if applied in day-to-day life can cut waste generation by more than 40% (www.ecoschooltoday.com, 2015). The materials left after sorting products for recycling and composting can be used repeatedly like shoeboxes, empty jars, broken bowls, clothing and furniture. Identification Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 152 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 of need and uses of reusable products needs to be understood for increasing their shelf life and delaying their journey to landfill. 3.0 CONCLUSION One of the most common markers for evaluating Nation’s development is the resourceful and efficient management of its waste. Improper management of solid waste in India is a critical reason for environmental pollution and degradation. With rise in population the demand for food, resources and other essentials has also increased, which leads to upsurge in generation of waste each day. Management of waste needs to go a long way to be effectively controlled and tightly regulated in India. Unmanaged waste from different sectors of society is posing a serious social, economical, environmental and health hazard. The study concludes that social, economic, infrastructure; planning and environmental resources are the main barriers hampering management of solid waste in country. This in turn increases the risk on human health. Waste minimization has increasingly being realized as an important component for enhancing human health. Many industries and organizations are making special efforts to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. However, there still lies a need to address the existing municipal solid waste management system and develop systematically integrated waste minimization actions. Asian Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary www.asianacademicresearch.org 153 AARJMD VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 (DECEMBER 2016) ISSN : 2319 - 2801 4.0 Reference 1. Annepu Ranjith, Impact of improper solid waste management and the case of India, Columbia University. Retrieved from http://swmindia.blogspot.in/2012/10/impacts-ofimproper-solid-waste.html. 2. 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