India has a huge garbage problem. Less than 80% of India’s 62 million tonnes of trash are collected, and just 22% are treated. Mumbai and Delhi create 11, 0000 and 8,700 tonnes of waste every day.
Mixed trash in landfills has been an essential element of India’s waste management plan. However, landfills generate methane, a 21-times more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. Landfill emissions cause respiratory difficulties in youngsters. No water filtration device can make the groundwater near landfills drinkable. India will need 1,400 square kilometers of landfill space by 2047 if we keep dumping waste at the current rate. Organic waste converters turn organic waste into compost for organic farming.
The most excellent method to reduce waste is to create less. Let’s start with housing society waste categories. There are many types and sizes of manure compost making machines, so you can’t use a one-size-fits-all approach.
Household waste classifications
Putrescible Organic Debris
- Wet waste – Leftovers, peels, waste tea powder, coffee beans, landscaping, pruning trash, other green garbage, processed food, raw food materials, meat and bones, food-soiled paper, eggshells, leaf plates.
- Dry waste – Newspapers, magazines, brown paper, paper bags, packing, ribbons, strings, leaflets, notebooks, wood, and furniture.
Non-biodegradable recyclables (solid rubbish)
- Plastic – Milk pouches, food packets, soda bottles, wrappers, containers, jars, bottles, covers, and caps.
- Metals– Utensils, batteries, pipes, nails, tools, tetra packs, metal scraps, wires.
- Glass– Broken pottery, glassware, mirror pieces, and glass bottles.
Hazardous garbage
Insect sprays, syringes, diapers, sanitary napkins, cleaning chemicals, bleach containers, corrosives, flammable liquids, solvent-based paint, vehicle batteries, e-waste, and bio-medical waste
Solid Debris
- Include: sand, concrete, clay, subsoil, and rubble
Rules for India’s Household Waste Management System
Housekeeping personnel collects door-to-door rubbish in flats and societies (also known as big trash producers). The Municipal Corporation or legal waste collection firm later collects it from the curbsides. Some folks throw everything in one trash bag, making waste sorting difficult. Waste collectors can’t physically separate dry, moist, and poisonous waste without harming themselves, not to mention the hours lost sifting tonnes of rubbish every day.
Commercial facilities must handle food waste composter collection and disposal logistics.
In 2016, the Ministry of Environment updated Solid Waste Management Rules, mandating waste segregation at source to recover, reuse, and recycle. This new law places the responsibility for trash management on generators to reduce the burden on public resources and infrastructure. Local authorities must develop a comprehensive waste management strategy within six months following the Rules’ announcement. Thus, each of The Municipal Bylaws of Indian cities governs their Solid Waste Management policy. Many bylaws are state-wide.
Best practices for housing societies to comply with SWM Rules’ 3 Rs of trash management
Many have heard of reducing, reusing, and Recycling, but not everyone incorporates them into daily life, and others are unaware of the necessary trash disposal procedures. Less is more: purchase less, discard less. An organic waste composter machine recycles garbage and turns it into compost.
Start with these tips:
Reduce:
- Avoid paper plates, razors, paper towels, gloves, etc. Reusable and durable items are the most beneficial purchases.
- Bring your bag or a jute bag to eliminate disposable bags.
- Buy bulk items with minimal/recyclable packaging to reduce waste.
- Use more digital news/content, fewer notebooks, cards, and gift wrapping.
- Use organic diapers and tampons.
Reuse:
- Repurpose damaged furniture and bottles to make trays, hangers, and toilet holders.
- Make bags and pillowcases from used clothes.
- Make face masks from fruit skins and fertilize plants with wet tea powder.
- Reuse old jars, canvas bags, metal containers, and boxes. Compost organic trash, sell it, or use it for community gardening.
Recycle:
- When shopping, look for recycling indicators on packaging to see if a product is recyclable.
- Collaborate with a local recycler/scrap dealer to collect dry paper, newspaper, and plastic debris.
- Recycle dry cell batteries and devices at a nearby shop.
- Use biodegradable decorations, cutlery, and gift wrap.
Costs and penalties are an issue.
A state can alter the Property Tax to include SWM cess or charge User Fees separately. Based on:
- The current household count in each community
- All collection service statuses are possible, including door-to-door, community bin, and no collection
- Collecting Data and How Often
- Housing society’s intended service level and 3R readiness of residents
- Ability and willingness to pay
Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the amount of User Fees paid is proportional to the amount of trash produced. It’s like a “pay as you go” system, only that you only pay for what you use.
Conclusion:
MCs/RWAs must check municipal/city civic portals and MoHUA/Swachh Bharat Mission websites to be current on SWM Rules and Compliance. Domestic and worldwide waste management markets are expected to increase rapidly. Housing societies are a vital aspect of every city’s trash. Smart Enviro manufactures organic waste composter machines for small and large capacities. Management. Housing societies must be well-informed and well-equipped to manage trash locally, state-wide, and nationally.
