Trashing the Planet: The Urgent Need for Sustainable Waste Management System
Waste management has always been challenging globally and a critical issue, especially in developing nations. For example, in India, its improper handling and disposal .have significant impacts on climate change and people’s health. In recent years, the problem has escalated due to rapid urbanization and increasing population, exacerbating the challenges faced by local governments and municipalities.
India generates approximately 62 million tons of waste annually, and only about 60% is collected. The rest ends up in landfills, drains, or open spaces, contaminating the environment. A World Bank report suggests that this mismanagement could lead to a 1.5°C increase in global temperatures by 2100, which would have catastrophic effects on the environment and human well-being.
The waste generated in India comprises a mix of solid, liquid, and hazardous waste. Unfortunately, much of this waste is disposed of in unregulated and unscientific ways, such as landfills and open dumping. As a result, it not only emits greenhouse gases but it also pollutes the soil, water, and air. A potent greenhouse gas is estimated to be 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. This gas contributes significantly to global warming, which has far-reaching environmental and human health implications.
India’s waste management system is at a crossroads, with the nation grappling with the twin challenges of climate change and public health. The nation’s population of over 1.4 billion people generates an enormous amount of waste every day, but the current system is woefully inadequate to deal with it. The consequences are dire, with the environment and public health bearing the brunt of the problem.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many of India’s landfills are poorly managed and overloaded. In addition, they are often located near residential areas, and the toxic fumes and pollutants they emit pose a significant threat to people’s health. For example, on 6th March 2023, the Brahmapuram dump yard in Kochi, Kerala, caught fire and burned for days, releasing toxic fumes into the air and evacuating nearby residents. This is just one example of the impact of waste mismanagement on people’s health.
India’s Waste Management Crisis: Brahmapuram is just one of some 3,000 Indian landfills overflowing with decaying waste and emitting toxic gases.
- Commissioned in 2008, the landfill is spread across 16 acres, according to a 2020 report from the International Urban Cooperation, a European Union program.
- The study added that the landfill receives about 100 metric tons of plastic waste each day, of which only about 1% is suitable for recycling. The study said the remaining 99% is dumped as a heap at the site, calling it a “menace for the municipal corporation.”
- “The plastic dump at Brahmapuram is increasing in size day by day,” it said. “It has seen several fires over the past few years, thus polluting the air and the environment.” Despite its growing size and threats, the landfill is not India’s largest.
- Instead, the Deonar dumping ground in the western coastal city of Mumbai, which stands at some 18 stories high, claims the top spot. Deonar has also seen sporadic fires break out, enveloping about a million residents in the nearby Chembur, Govandi and Mankhurd suburbs.
The lack of proper waste management also severely impacts public health. India has some of the highest rates of waterborne and air-borne diseases, and the lack of proper waste disposal only exacerbates these issues. For example, open dumping and burning waste release toxic chemicals and hazardous fumes, which can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
The problem is not limited to landfill fires. The haphazard disposal of waste also causes pollution of water bodies, which is a significant public health concern. In many parts of the country, untreated sewage and industrial waste are dumped into rivers and lakes, leading to contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases.
The crisis is further compounded by the fact that many of the waste collectors and disposal workers are from marginalized communities, and they are often exposed to the hazardous conditions of waste management without proper protective gear or training. This exposes them to a range of health risks and even fatalities.
The situation is alarming, but it is not without solutions. The Indian government has recognized the importance of addressing waste management as a priority and has taken some steps towards improving the situation. For instance, the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Mission, was launched in 2014 and aimed at achieving a clean and open defecation-free India. The program has resulted in an increase in the number of toilets, garbage bins, and awareness campaigns about waste segregation and composting.
However, there is still a long way to go in achieving an effective waste management system. The challenges local governments and municipalities face are immense, and the problem requires significant investment and cooperation from all stakeholders, including citizens, the private sector, and civil society. India needs a holistic approach that includes waste reduction, segregation, recycling, and composting. In addition, the government must implement strict regulations and incentivize the private sector to invest in waste management infrastructure.
At the same time, citizens need to be educated and encouraged to adopt sustainable waste management practices. A more sustainable and effective approach to waste management would be adopting a circular economy model, which emphasizes waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. This approach can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and mitigate its impact on climate change and public health. It would also create new economic opportunities and promote sustainable consumption patterns.
In conclusion, the waste management crisis in India is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It has not only significant impacts on climate change but also has severe consequences for public health. Therefore, a concerted effort is needed to adopt a circular economy model and implement an effective waste management system that ensures the well-being of people and the planet.
As a give to the community, Mythistical Foundation recognizes the importance of addressing issues related to waste management, especially in rural areas where proper waste disposal and management practices may not be widely adopted. To this end, the Foundation has developed a series of initiatives aimed at educating farmers and villagers on waste management, as well as promoting reforestation efforts to mitigate the impact of waste on the environment.
One of the critical initiatives of the Mythistical Foundation is to provide education and training on waste management practices to farmers and villagers. Through workshops and outreach programs, the Foundation aims to raise awareness of the importance of proper waste disposal and management and provide practical solutions for addressing waste-related issues. This may include simple techniques such as composting and recycling and more advanced strategies for managing hazardous or non-biodegradable waste.
Another key focus of the Mythistical Foundation’s efforts is reforestation. By planting trees and encouraging the growth of new forests, the Foundation aims to help mitigate the impact of waste on the environment and promote the conservation of natural habitats and biodiversity. In addition to planting new trees, the Foundation may also work to restore existing forests and natural ecosystems that have been impacted by human activities or waste pollution.
Through these initiatives, the Mythistical Foundation hopes to create a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future for rural communities. By educating farmers and villagers on waste management practices and promoting reforestation efforts, the Foundation aims to reduce the impact of waste on the environment and protect natural resources for future generations. Ultimately, the success of these initiatives will depend on the active participation and engagement of local communities, as well as ongoing collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Note: To make the vision a reality, we seek support from your esteemed industry network to seek Partnership & Collaboration and funding for our Mythistical Foundation.
