Solid Waste Management in Delhi or in

my local municipality/panchayat area

Solid waste management

Solid waste management involves the systematic handling of waste from
its generation to its final disposal, ensuring environmental sustainability
and public health. It begins with waste generation from sources like
households, industries, and agriculture. Proper segregation at the source
into categories such as biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous waste is
crucial for effective treatment. This is followed by the collection of waste
through door-to-door services or centralized bins, ensuring efficient
transportation to treatment facilities. Treatment methods include
recycling, composting, and incineration, while non-recyclable waste is
disposed of in sanitary landfills. Effective solid waste management
reduces environmental pollution, conserves resources, and promotes a
cleaner, healthier society.

Classification of solid waste

Solid waste can be classified into various types based on its origin and composition. Below
are the primary categories:

1. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

- Generated from households, offices, schools, and public places.
- Examples: Food waste, paper, plastics, glass, and metals.

2. Industrial Waste
- Produced by manufacturing and industrial processes.
- Examples: Metal scraps, chemicals, fly ash, and packaging materials.

3. Biomedical Waste
- Originates from hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.
- Examples: Used syringes, bandages, expired medicines, and pathological waste.
4. Hazardous Waste
- Contains toxic, reactive, or flammable materials.
- Examples: Pesticides, batteries, electronic waste, and industrial solvents.

5. Construction and Demolition Waste

- Generated from construction, renovation, or demolition activities.
- Examples: Concrete, bricks, wood, and metal debris.

6. Agricultural Waste
- Produced from farming and agricultural activities.
- Examples: Crop residues, animal manure, and pesticides.

7. Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

- Discarded electronic devices and equipment.
- Examples: Computers, mobile phones, televisions, and refrigerators.

8. Plastic Waste
- Non-biodegradable waste generated from plastic products.
- Examples: Bottles, bags, packaging materials, and containers.

Proper classification of solid waste helps in designing effective waste management systems to
reduce environmental impact.

Solid waste management in Delhi

Solid waste management in Delhi is a pressing issue due to its dense population and
rapid urbanization, with the city generating approximately 11,500 metric tons of waste
daily. The waste is collected through door-to-door services, community bins, and
roadside collection, but segregation at the source remains a challenge. Treatment
facilities include composting plants, recycling units, and waste-to-energy (WTE) plants
located at Okhla, Ghazipur, and Narela-Bawana, which convert waste into electricity.
However, the city's three landfill sites—Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla—are overburdened
and pose significant environmental and health risks. The government has introduced
initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Mission, decentralized waste management, and a ban
on single-use plastics, alongside future plans for new WTE plants and landfill
remediation. Effective collaboration among citizens, the government, and private sectors
is essential for improving waste segregation, recycling, and scientific disposal methods to
address the growing waste management challenges in Delhi.
 Problem of solid waste in Delhi
The problem of solid waste in Delhi is a significant environmental and public health concern due to the
city's large population, rapid urbanization, and inadequate waste management systems. Below is an
overview of the major issues:

1. Excessive Waste Generation

- Delhi generates approximately 11,500 metric tons of waste daily, exceeding the capacity of its
existing waste management infrastructure.

2. Lack of Segregation at Source

- Most residents fail to separate biodegradable, recyclable, and hazardous waste, leading to mixed
waste that is harder to treat.

3. Overflowing Landfills
- The city's three major landfill sites—Ghazipur, Bhalswa, and Okhla—are operating far beyond their
capacity, causing severe environmental pollution, including air, water, and soil contamination.
- Frequent fires in landfills release toxic gases, posing health risks to nearby communities.

4. Inefficient Collection and Transportation

- Irregular and incomplete waste collection leaves garbage piled up on streets and in public places,
attracting pests and causing unhygienic conditions.

5. Limited Waste Treatment Facilities

- Although Delhi has waste-to-energy (WTE) plants and composting facilities, they are insufficient to
process the massive volume of waste generated daily.
- A significant portion of recyclable waste goes untreated due to lack of proper channels and
infrastructure.

6. Rising E-Waste and Hazardous Waste

- The growing consumption of electronic goods has increased e-waste generation, which often ends up
in landfills without proper recycling.
- Hazardous waste from industries and healthcare facilities is not always disposed of scientifically.

7. Plastic Pollution
- Despite a ban on single-use plastics, plastic waste remains a major contributor to the city’s garbage
problem.

8. Public Awareness and Behavior

- Low public awareness about proper waste disposal and recycling leads to widespread littering and
poor participation in waste management initiatives.
Study Area

Study on Solid Waste Management in Paschim Puri pocket 3

A survey on solid waste management in Paschim Puri Pocket 3, Delhi, revealed significant
challenges in waste segregation and disposal. The area generates mixed waste, predominantly
organic and plastic, with limited segregation at the source. Waste is collected daily by municipal
workers but often left unsegregated. Overflowing community bins and irregular transportation to
processing facilities contribute to hygiene concerns. Public awareness about recycling and
composting is low, exacerbating the issue. Residents suggested improved door-to-door
collection and awareness campaigns for better waste management. Enhancing infrastructure
and community participation are essential to address these challenges effectively.

Observation:- Solid Waste Management Survey:

The pie chart shows gender distribution among 10 responses: 80% are female (red) and 20%
are male (blue).
The pie chart illustrating that all 100% of the responses were for Tigri, Khanpur, with a total of 10
responses recorded.

This pie chart shows the distribution of 10 people by age groups. 60% are in the 30-40 age
group, 30% are in the 10-20 age group, and 10% are in the 40-50 age group.

The image illustrates a pie chart depicting family member distribution, with 70% having 4-6
members, 20% with 2-4, and 10% with 0-2.

The bar chart shows how much domestic waste is produced at home daily, with the majority
producing around 1kg of waste per day.
The image shows a bar graph depicting the types of solid waste generated at homes. Food
waste was the most common followed by plastic bags and paper. Tin/cans, glass and other
wastes were generated in smaller amounts.

This pie chart represents the responses to a survey about the preference of waste collection from
home.50% of the respondents strongly agree, 40% agree, 10% disagree, and 0% strongly
disagree or disagree.

The pie chart shows results of a survey asking if people prefer to pay for waste collection.
70% of respondents answered "Yes" and 30% answered "No".
The pie chart shows that out of 10 responses, 70% of people segregate waste at home, while
30% do not.

A pie chart shows that 100% of respondents say blue bins are used for dry waste (plastic and
paper).

The pie chart shows 70% believe waste collectors separate wet and dry waste, while 20%
disagree and 10% are unsure.
The pie chart shows that 70% of people surveyed know where the Municipal Corporation dumps
waste, while 30% do not. This suggests a good level of awareness about waste disposal in the area.

The pie chart shows that 50% of respondents would be willing to participate in a government
program to make compost from kitchen waste.

This pie chart shows the results of a survey regarding satisfaction with waste disposal system.
50% were satisfied, 40% were dissatisfied, and 10% were unsure.
Rag picker Survey:

This survey question asking ragpicker about the area covered in kilometers in a day. There are
5 possible answers: 4, 6, 2, 4, and 3.

The chart shows the number of people who spend a certain number of hours collecting waste.
The most common response was 5 hours.

The survey question asking about the types of waste collected.

The bar chart displays about problems faced while collecting waste. Health problems were cited
by the most people, followed by a lack of provision for handling waste.

The survey reveals that people prefer to collect waste that is easy to handle and segregate,
such as dry waste. Some respondents mentioned collecting clothes for recycling or glass and
plastic for resale. Others emphasized collecting containers and carts for potential profit.

The bar chart shows how much waste is dumped, incinerated, recycled, or burned. Dumping is
the most common method, followed by recycling, burning, and incineration.
The survey asked about payment methods for selling items. Respondents suggested payment
based on weight, working hours, or a combination of factors.

This pie chart shows that 60% of respondents strongly agree that it is better to collect waste
from homes rather than roadside bins.

The pie chart shows that 40% strongly agree and 40% agree with the statement, while 20%
disagree.
Summary of field report
A survey on solid waste management (SWM) in Delhi and Paschim Puri Pocket 3 revealed
significant challenges. Delhi generates over 11,500 metric tons of waste daily, with poor
segregation and overflowing landfills causing pollution. In Paschim Puri Pocket 3, mixed waste is
collected daily, but inadequate segregation and overflowing community bins are prevalent. Public
awareness about recycling and composting is low, and irregular transportation hampers efficient
waste processing. Residents highlighted the need for better infrastructure, door-to-door collection,
and awareness drives. Effective SWM in both Delhi and the locality requires strict enforcement,
community participation, and decentralized solutions.

Conclusion
The survey highlights that effective solid waste management in Delhi and Paschim Puri Pocket 3
requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing challenges like poor segregation, overflowing
bins, and irregular transportation demands stricter enforcement of waste segregation rules and
enhancement of infrastructure. Community participation through awareness drives and localized
solutions, such as composting and recycling, is crucial. Decentralized waste management
practices, combined with government initiatives, can significantly reduce dependency on landfills
and mitigate environmental and health risks. A collaborative effort among residents, authorities,
and private stakeholders is essential to achieve a sustainable and efficient waste management
system.
References:
1. SurveyData:SolidWasteManagementi paschim puri,Delhi(December2024). 2.
RoleofRagpickersinWasteManagement(FieldSurvey). 3.
MunicipalSolidWasteGuidelines,Delhi.

Submitted by:- Mansi

Class:- bcom (p)-D
Roll no.-2229
Submitted to:- Dr.Virat jolli sir