Effective waste management begins with proper segregation at the source. The key to managing waste efficiently lies in dividing it into distinct categories right at home. An average Indian household generates approximately 200 to 300 kg of waste annually, highlighting the importance of managing this waste sustainably.
Waste generated from home can be broadly classified into kitchen waste, recyclable waste, hazardous waste and inert waste. Kitchen waste, which constitutes a significant portion of food waste, can be converted into biogas or compost. This process not only reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills but also creates valuable resources such as energy and organic fertilizer. If households in India adopted this approach, up to 50-60% of biodegradable waste could be diverted from landfills, potentially reducing waste by around 35-40 million tons per year.
Recyclable waste, like paper, plastic, glass, and metal, should be separated and sent to certified recyclers. Recycling these materials conserves natural resources, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes environmental pollution. Proper recycling of these materials could prevent around 9-10 million tons of waste from reaching landfills, further decreasing landfill waste by 15%.
Special care must be taken with hazardous waste, such as medical or chemical waste, which should not be mixed with general household waste. Instead, these materials must be sent for incineration, a process that safely disposes of harmful substances by burning them at high temperatures, ensuring they do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.
Together, these measures could potentially reduce the waste going to landfills by 45-50 million tons annually—equivalent to shrinking landfill usage by approximately 70-80%. Adopting these practices is not just a responsibility but a necessity for ensuring a healthier future for all, helping India address its growing waste crisis and promote sustainability for future generations.