Planning, Analysis and Design of Municipal Solid Waste
Composting and Incineration, India
About
India generates 62 million tons of waste every
year, of which less than 60% is collected and
around 15% processed. India has third ranking in
terms of greenhouse gas emissions due to land
fills.43 million tons of solid waste are collected
annually, out of which 11.9 million (22-28%) are
treated and 31 million (72-78%) are dumped at
landfill sites. If garbage is dumped at the current
rate without any treatment, 1,240 hectares of land
will be required in the form of landfill area per year.
Problems
The rise in municipal solid waste generation is
raising serious health and sanitation is-
sues, including breathing problems, high PM10 ex-
posure, increased mucus production, bacterial in-
fections, elevated cardiovascular risk, asthma and
By Ram Pathak and Amir Shaikh
Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University
other infections. Diseases such as dengue and
cholera have been on the rise as vectors like
insects and rodents are attracted to the waste.
Improper waste management also adversely affects
the environment. The decomposition of organic
wastes at landfill sites produces greenhouse gases,
while organic waste contaminates the water and
soil. Clearly, inefficient waste management is a The Advantages of a Solid Waste Incinerator.
serious issue that needs to be addressed in India. Solid waste incinerators are used to combust
organic substances contained in waste.
Incineration converts solid waste into ash, flue gas
and heat. Incineration is the main alternative to
landfills, which hold solid waste in a contained
area.
PROS
1. Efficient use of space
2. Elimination of groundwater contamination
3. Energy generation
4. Lower carbon footprint
CONS
Solution 1.High incineration plant costs
There are two major solutions exist is Composting 2.Emissions of toxic pollutants
and Incineration. Benefits of Composting. Enriches Incineration produces more renewable
soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant fuel than landfill gas capture, but is a more
diseases and pests. Encourages the production of expensive technology.
beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down
organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled References
material. Reduces methane emissions from landfills • The Times of India
and lowers your carbon footprint. • Annual report of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change