Exploring possibilities of achieving sustainability in solid waste management.

Abstract

The solid waste management scenario in the recent years has shifted towards a more sustainable approach. This paper brings in to focus the waste management methods that can be adopted using Bangalore as case study, in order to achieve economic viability and explores the sustainable options that conserves both natural and man-made resources and averts ecological risks. Bangalore, the Garden City of India with a population of 6 million is facing the daunting task of handling 3613 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day. Added to this are the constraints that are faced by the authorities such as poor political back up, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funds and lack of public support. Attempts have been made to clear wastes by door to door collection method, introduction of push carts, which separate biodegradable wastes from non biodegradable wastes, deployment of auto tippers to clear slum wastes etc. under the guidance of Bangalore Agenda Task Force (government appointed body) and Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (city municipal corporation). Integrated waste management system is proposed as an option, which include collection, transport and processing of wastes in an environmentally sound way. The methods to overcome constraints in waste management and the future plans and actions that will bring about a significant change in the current waste management practices are also discussed in the paper.