Script
Problem statement”
(Advay)
1)PROBLEM STATEMENT-
The accelerating pace of urbanization and population growth has rendered
effective waste management a critical global concern. Inadequate waste
segregation and improper disposal practices significantly contribute to
environmental degradation, pose severe public health risks, and
accelerate the depletion of natural resources. Unmanaged waste
frequently accumulates in landfills, leading to the emission of greenhouse
gases and the contamination of soil and water resources. The exponential
rise in the generation of plastic, electronic, and hazardous waste has
further exacerbated this crisis, underscoring the urgent necessity for
sustainable and integrated waste management strategies.
Addressing this multifaceted issue requires the promotion of waste
minimization, systematic segregation, efficient recycling, and
environmentally sound disposal practices. Moreover, enhancing public
awareness, fostering technological innovation, and implementing
stringent policy interventions are imperative to advancing a circular
economy and achieving long-term environmental sustainability.
In the Indian context, the challenge of managing the rapidly increasing
volume of waste has become particularly acute. Despite recent
advancements in waste management infrastructure and awareness
initiatives, the nation continues to contend with critical issues such as
inefficient waste collection and transportation systems, improper disposal
methods, and limited recycling efficiency. Confronting these systemic
deficiencies is essential not only for safeguarding public health and
ecological balance but also for advancing the broader goals of sustainable
development and resource conservation.
“Concern over problem”
(Paras)
Waste generation and its management in India continue to pose
significant challenges, largely fueled by rapid urbanization, industrial
growth, and population expansion. The issues associated with waste
management are multidimensional, encompassing environmental, social,
economic, and public health aspects. The following are some of the key
areas of concern:
1. Rapid Urbanization and Growing Waste Generation
Rising Waste Volume:
With India’s population steadily increasing and urban areas expanding, the
quantity of waste generated has grown exponentially. Metropolitan regions
such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru produce thousands of tonnes of
waste each day, putting immense pressure on municipal waste
management systems.
Composition of Waste:
A considerable proportion of the waste produced comprises municipal
solid waste (MSW), including organic matter, plastics, paper, glass,
metals, and electronic waste (e-waste). Organic waste accounts for nearly
50–60% of the total waste generated, much of which could be composted;
however, it often ends up being dumped in landfills instead of being
properly processed.
2. Inadequate Waste Management Infrastructure
Limited Processing Capacity:
Many Indian cities lack the necessary infrastructure and technological
capacity to manage the ever-increasing quantity of waste effectively.
Large-scale waste segregation, sorting, and recycling practices remain
underdeveloped and inconsistently implemented.
Overcrowded Landfills:
There is a shortage of well-managed landfills and waste treatment
facilities across the country. Existing landfills are often overburdened and
poorly maintained, lacking adequate systems to mitigate environmental
hazards such as leachate leakage and methane emissions.
Insufficient Waste Segregation:
Source-level segregation of waste—particularly the separation of wet and
dry waste—is not consistently practiced. Consequently, recyclable
materials become mixed with non-recyclables, contaminating the waste
stream and making recovery, recycling, and processing more difficult and
costly.
3. The Plastic Waste Challenge
High Plastic Usage:
The rapid expansion of industrial production and consumer demand has
led to a dramatic increase in plastic consumption, especially in packaging
and disposable goods. India generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste
annually, a large share of which consists of single-use plastics.
Plastic Pollution:
Improper disposal of plastic waste in open spaces, drainage systems, and
water bodies has resulted in widespread environmental pollution. Plastic
debris obstructs waterways, contributes to urban flooding, and endangers
aquatic and terrestrial life. Additionally, the presence of microplastics
poses long-term ecological and health risks.
Inadequate Recycling Infrastructure:
Although efforts have been made to promote plastic recycling, the
available infrastructure remains insufficient. A majority of plastic waste is
either burned, incinerated, or dumped in landfills, releasing harmful
pollutants and contributing to environmental degradation.
( Vaishnavi ) have ur own
2. Inadequate Waste Management Infrastructure
• Limited Waste Processing Capacity: Many Indian cities lack the
infrastructure to process the growing volume of waste. Waste segregation,
sorting, and recycling are often not practiced on a large scale.
• Overflowing Landfills: There are insufficient landfills and waste
treatment plants to manage the waste effectively. Most landfills are
overcrowded, poorly maintained, and lack systems to reduce
environmental impacts such as leachate and methane emissions.
• Poor Waste Segregation: Waste segregation at source (wet vs. dry
waste) is not consistently practiced. As a result, recyclable materials are
contaminated with non-recyclables, making it more difficult and expensive
to process waste.
[Link] Waste Crisis
• High Plastic Consumption: The rapid growth of plastic use in packaging,
food, and consumer goods has led to a severe plastic waste problem. India
generates millions of tons of plastic waste each year, much of which is
single-use plastic.
• Plastic Pollution: Improper disposal of plastic, often in open areas,
drains, and rivers, leads to widespread pollution. Plastic waste can clog
waterways, cause flooding, and harm marine life. Microplastics also pose
long-term ecological risks.
• Inadequate Recycling Systems: While there are efforts to recycle plastic,
the infrastructure is limited, and most of the plastic waste is either
incinerated or dumped in landfills.
(Tanuj)
4.E-Waste Management
• Growth of E-Waste: With increasing consumer electronics use, e-waste
has become a significant concern. India generates a large amount of e-
waste annually, much of which is not disposed of properly.
• Informal Recycling: A significant portion of e-waste is recycled informally
by untrained workers who often burn or dismantle electronics without
safety measures, exposing themselves to hazardous chemicals like lead,
mercury, and cadmium.
• Lack of Regulation: Although there are laws regulating e-waste
management, enforcement is weak, and many e-waste items are either
exported illegally or disposed of in unsanitary ways.
[Link] and Environmental Hazards
• Air, Soil, and Water Pollution: The improper disposal and burning of
waste in open spaces lead to air and water pollution. Burning plastic waste
releases toxic chemicals, and the leachate from landfills contaminates the
groundwater.
• Health Issues: Exposure to toxic chemicals from e-waste or the open
burning of waste can cause respiratory diseases, cancer, and other health
problems for both workers in informal sectors and nearby communities.
“Existing solution”
(Bhoomi)
Existing Solutions for Waste Management in India(1.5 min)
India has been implementing various strategies to address its waste
management challenges. Some of the existing solutions include:
Technological Solutions:
• Waste-to-Energy Plants: These plants convert waste into energy,
reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills and generating electricity.
• Biogas Plants: These plants convert organic waste into biogas, which can
be used for cooking and heating.
Community-Based organisations(CBOs):
The CBOs play a vital role in promoting waste segregation, recycling, and
composting at the community level.
ex : Swachh Bharat Mission: This government initiative aims to clean up
India's streets, towns, and cities. It focuses on waste management,
sanitation, and public awareness.
(Yakshit)
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
• PPPs help finance and implement waste management projects,
leveraging the expertise and resources of both public and private sectors.
CURRENT WASTE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN INDIA:
• Waste is segregated into biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste at
the source of waste i.e. at house, offices, etc. Non-biodegradable items
are again segregated into recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
• Composting and vermicomposting is used widely at domestic level to
make use of organic wastes. In composting, organic waste is
decomposed to form nutrient-rich compost. Vermicomposting is an
efficient form of composting where earthworms are used to convert
organic waste into compost faster. Municipalities have started large-scale
composting plants for organic waste.
• Waste that cannot be recycled or processed is disposed of in
[Link] Landfills are engineered sites to minimise environmental
impact. Overflowing dumpsites in cities like Ghazipur (Delhi) and Deonar
(Mumbai) pose significant health and environmental hazards. Efforts are
underway to biomine old landfills.
“Ideas to solve”
(Arjun)
SOLUTION:
We have created a waste collection efficiency model through technology-
enabled route planning, and residents were encouraged to segregate
waste through hands-on training and incentive-based rewards.
People can be provided with colour-coded and IoT-powered waste
containers for primary waste segregation. These bins also send real-time
data on waste levels to a central system.
People can schedule waste pickups using the app. Each request is routed
to the nearest collection vehicle provided by third-party logistics partners.
This decentralised outsourcing ensures an asset-light model, reducing
costs and optimising process efficiency.
Third-party waste collection trucks use a route optimisation API to plan
efficient door-to-door pickups, minimising distance, travel time and fuel
consumption.
After collection, the AI systems will sort waste into three categories –
biodegradable, recyclable and non-recyclable. Biodegradable waste is
composted locally, recyclables are sold to companies which and non-
recyclables are sent for upcycling to minimise environmental impact.
This upcycling initiative not only diverts waste from landfills but also
creates employment opportunities for marginalised communities, rural
women, and others living on the economic fringes.
(Naman)
Real-time dashboard would be provided so that users can monitor waste
collection, segregation and overall environmental impact. A chatbot will
handle grievances and queries.
To encourage proper waste segregation, we can use AI-driven incentive
system that awards tokens based on accuracy. Of the tokens earned, 60%
are designated for hotels, restaurants, and cafés (HORECA), while 40% are
awarded to individual ‘Green Champions’.
Finally, reports are generated to assess waste segregation and processing
for continuous improvement.
Eventually, the amount of waste going to landfills will come down,
improving overall sustainability in the ward.
Also, we can work with government initiatives like the Swachh Technology
Challenge and actively engaged with urban local bodies (ULBs),
showcasing its tech-enabled waste management model.
For raising awareness in the community,
We can arrange informative workshops, social media campaigns, and
printed guides on waste segregation practices.
Interactive sessions in schools and community centres can also help.
“Adaptability and feasibility”
(Richi )
The adaptability and feasibility of future waste management techniques
depend on their scalability, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, and
social acceptance.
Adaptability of Future Waste Management Techniques:
• Technologies like automated waste sorting and smart bins can work well
in urban areas, while decentralized systems like community composting
are better suited for rural settings.
• Wealthier regions can adopt high-cost, tech-heavy solutions, while low-
income areas benefit from low-tech but effective methods like informal
recycling networks or small-scale anaerobic digesters.
• Combining traditional methods (manual sorting, open composting) with
advanced technology (AI-based monitoring, IoT waste bins) ensures
flexibility.
• Techniques must consider regional climatic conditions. For example,
aerobic composting works better in dry regions, while anaerobic digestion
is suitable for wet climates.
(Trinabh)
Feasibility of Future Waste Management Techniques:
• Techniques like upcycling plastic waste into construction materials are
gaining traction due to their low costs and high demand.
• Future techniques that convert waste into value-added products, such as
bioplastics or renewable energy, can self-sustain financially.
• Simple, robust technologies like low-tech anaerobic digesters are
feasible for developing countries with limited technical expertise.
• Workforce training is critical for implementing and maintaining advanced
techniques like robotic sorting or AI-powered waste monitoring.
• Techniques must have a low environmental footprint, such as reducing
greenhouse gas emissions or minimizing resource use.
• Engaging communities ensures acceptance and participation in
initiatives like source segregation and composting.
• Integrating waste pickers into formal systems can improve outcomes
and reduce resistance
