1. The problem of waste
The waste generation rate is increasing drastically with rising urbanization and population growth. This part of the waste mangement module will shed light on the overarching problem of waste around us and understandign the need for immediate attention.
“The term ‘waste’ is defined as any product or material which is unwanted or discarded or is no longer valued by the user and therefore thrown away”.
2 billion tonnes of waste is generated globally each year - imagine around 2 lakh football fields of trash!
Over the next 30 years this is expected to rise to 3.4 billion tonnes[1]. Urban India alone generates around 42 million tonnes of waste each year.[2]
The waste generation rate is increasing drastically with rising urbanization and population growth. Waste management is a challenge in low-income countries[3]
where most of the waste is dumped or openly burned causing health and environmental concerns. This results in contamination of water bodies, clogging of drains, transmission of diseases, affecting animal/marine species health who consume the waste unknowingly. The mismanagement of waste is an indirect result of lack of efficient infrastructure, improper segregation, and technologies for proper waste handling at an individual level as well as at a municipal level. One must understand that the disposal methods and techniques vary depending on the categories & subcategories of waste.
Typically, per capita waste generation rate varies from 0.2-1 kg.[4]
Below are the various sources of waste generation:
