Author Archives: Alok Gogate

Driving Responsible Product Disposal and Environmental Sustainability

EPR stands for Extended Producer Responsibility, which is a policy framework that makes producers responsible for managing the end-of-life disposal of their products. The objective of EPR is to ensure that the producers take responsibility for managing the environmental impact of their products, including the waste generated by their products.

In the Indian scenario, EPR has been implemented for several products such as e-waste, plastic waste, and hazardous waste. The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, requires producers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) to collect and manage e-waste generated by their products. Similarly, the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, requires producers of plastic products to take measures for collecting, segregating, and disposing of the plastic waste generated by their products.

The implementation of EPR in India has helped in reducing the environmental impact of products and has also led to the development of a recycling industry. However, there are still challenges in the effective implementation of EPR, such as the lack of infrastructure for the collection and disposal of waste, lack of awareness among consumers, and the need for more stringent regulations to ensure compliance

In India, EPR policy implementation is at different stages for different types of waste.

Current targets and implementation stages for specific types of waste:

E-waste:

The E-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, make producers responsible for the collection and management of e-waste generated by their products. The e-waste (Management) Rules, 2016, also cover the management of CFL and other mercury-containing lamps.
Reading Material: Policy Guidelines on e-Waste

Plastic waste

The Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, require producers of plastic products to take measures for collecting, segregating, and disposing of the plastic waste generated by their products.
Reading Material: Policy Guidelines on Plastic Waste

Batteries:

The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules, 2001, require battery manufacturers and importers to take responsibility for the collection and disposal of their waste batteries.

Reading Material: Policy Guidelines on Battery Waste

Hazardous waste

The Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, require the producers of hazardous waste to take responsibility for the safe disposal of their waste.
Reading Material: Policy Guidelines on Hazardous Waste

Extended Producer Responsibility Policies on Specific Types of Waste

Electronic Waste (E-waste):

The EPR policy for e-waste in India is regulated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016. The EPR targets for e-waste management have been set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the following categories:

• Producers of electronic goods such as TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, etc.
• Producers of electronic components such as chips, resistors, capacitors, etc.
• Bulk consumers of electronic goods such as government departments, public sector undertakings, etc.

Currently, there are over 100 companies in India that have implemented EPR policies for e-waste, including Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, Samsung, LG, etc. These companies have tie-ups with authorized e-waste recyclers to collect and dispose of their e-waste.

Plastic Waste:

The EPR policy for plastic waste in India is regulated by the MoEFCC under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The EPR targets for plastic waste management have been set by the CPCB for the following categories:

• Producers of plastic packaging waste.
• Producers of multi-layered plastic (MLP) products.
• Brand owners who use plastic packaging for their products.

Currently, there are several companies in India that have implemented EPR policies for plastic waste, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, Unilever, etc. These companies have tie-ups with authorized recyclers to collect and dispose of their plastic waste.

Paper Waste:

The EPR policy for paper waste in India is regulated by the MoEFCC under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The EPR targets for paper waste management have been set by the CPCB for the following categories:

• Producers of paper and paperboard products.
• Brand owners who use paper and paperboard packaging for their products.

Currently, there are several companies in India that have implemented EPR policies for paper waste, including ITC, Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Coca-Cola, etc. These companies have tie-ups with authorized recyclers to collect and dispose of their paper waste.

Key manufacturers and producers implementing EPR policy in India

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL):

HUL is one of the largest fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India, with a wide range of products in the personal care, home care, and food and beverages categories. The company has committed to achieving 100% plastic waste collection and management by 2025, as part of its larger goal to become a “circular economy” business. To achieve this target, HUL has launched several initiatives, including setting up a network of plastic waste collection and recycling infrastructure, working with waste pickers and recyclers, and promoting awareness among consumers about responsible plastic waste management.

Procter & Gamble (P&G):

P&G is a multinational consumer goods company with a wide range of products in the personal care, home care, and health care categories. The company has committed to achieving 100% recyclable or reusable packaging by 2030, as part of its “Ambition 2030” sustainability goals. To achieve this target, P&G is investing in research and development to find innovative packaging solutions, working with suppliers to source more sustainable materials, and partnering with recycling companies to improve recycling infrastructure and processes.

ITC Limited:

ITC Limited is a diversified conglomerate with interests in the fast-moving consumer goods, agri-business, hotels, paperboards, and packaging industries. The company has set a target to achieve 100% plastic waste collection and management in its value chain by 2030, as part of its “Responsible and Sustainable Business” strategy. To achieve this target, ITC is investing in recycling infrastructure, promoting the use of sustainable materials in its packaging, and working with waste pickers and recyclers to promote responsible waste management.

Overall, while many of these companies have made significant progress towards their EPR targets, there is still a long way to go to achieve a truly sustainable and circular economy in India. Stronger regulatory frameworks, greater public awareness, and more effective partnerships between government, industry, and civil society will be needed to drive the necessary changes.

Managing Organic Waste at Home

There are several home composting methods that can be used in India, depending on the amount of organic waste generated and the available space. Here are some common home composting methods with their respective capacity:

Pit Composting Method

This is a simple and low-cost method of composting that involves using any clay pot and adding organic waste materials.

The pot should be covered with soil and left to decompose for several months.

The capacity of a pot composting system can vary depending on the size of the pot.

But it is generally suitable for small households that generate less than 1-2 kg of organic waste per day.

Tumbler Composting Method

This method involves using a container with a built-in mechanism to turn the compost, such as a compost tumbler.

The container is filled with organic waste and turned regularly to aerate the compost and speed up the decomposition process.

Tumbler composting is ideal for households that generate 1-2 kg of organic waste per day and can typically accommodate up to 20-30 liters of waste.

Worm Composting Method

Vermicomposting is a method of composting that uses earthworms to break down organic waste.

This method is suitable for households that generate up to 1 kg of organic waste per day and can be done in a small container, such as a plastic bin.

The capacity of a worm composting system depends on the size of the container, but it is generally recommended to start with a container that can hold 20-30 liters of waste.

Bokashi Composting (Anaerobic)

This composting technique involves the use of anaerobic bacteria to ferment organic waste.

Here are the technical guidelines for bokashi composting:

• The ideal size of the bokashi composting bin should be around 30-50 liters.
• The bokashi composting bin should have a tight-fitting lid to prevent air from entering.
• The moisture content of the bokashi composting bin should be between 40-60%.
• The bokashi composting process can take between 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of waste and the composting conditions.

Compost Bin

A compost bin is a simple container that can be used to collect and compost organic waste. The bin

can be made from various materials, such as plastic, wood, or metal, and should have a lid to keep out pests and animals. The capacity of a compost bin can vary depending on its size, but it is typically suitable for households that generate up to 2-3 kg of organic waste per day.

It is important to note that the capacity of a home composting system can vary depending on factors such as the type of organic waste generated, the composting method used, and the climate conditions.

 SBM guidelines for home composting >

Exploring Composting Techniques

Aerobic Composting

Aerobic composting involves providing oxygen to the compost pile to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms that break down the organic material and is typically faster than other methods and produces a higher-quality compost.

Here are the technical guidelines for aerobic composting:

• The ideal size of the composting bin should be around 1 meter in height and 1.5-2 meters in width.
• The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio for composting is between 25:1 and 30:1.
• The moisture content of the compost pile should be between 50-60%.
• Turn the compost pile every 2-3 weeks to provide adequate aeration.
• The composting process can take between 1-6 months, depending on the type of waste and the composting conditions.

Anerobic Composting

Anaerobic composting is a process of decomposing organic waste in the absence of oxygen. It is a popular method of waste management in India, where large quantities of wet waste are generated daily.

Here are some technical guidelines for anaerobic wet waste composting in India:

• Site selection: The site for the composting plant should be located away from residential areas and water bodies. It should have good drainage and be easily accessible for waste collection and transport.
• Waste shredding: The biodegradable waste should be shredded into small pieces to facilitate decomposition.
• Mixing of waste: The shredded waste should be mixed with cow dung or other organic material to create a homogenous mixture. The ratio of waste to organic material should be maintained at 3:1.
• Piling: The mixture should be piled in a pit or a composting bin. The height of the pile should not exceed 1.5 meters.
• Turning of the pile: The compost pile should be turned at regular intervals to ensure proper aeration and mixing of the compost. The frequency of turning should be once a week.
• Curing: Once the compost is ready, it should be cured for 4 to 6 weeks before use. During the curing process, the compost should be turned once a week.
• Quality control: The quality of the compost should be monitored regularly using a compost meter. The pH of the compost should be between 6.5 to 8.5, and the carbon to nitrogen ratio should be between 20:1 to 30:1.

By following these technical guidelines, anaerobic wet waste composting can be a successful and effective method of waste management in India.

Vermicomposting

Vermicomposting is a type of composting that involves the use of earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. In India, vermicomposting technology has gained popularity over the past few decades due to its several advantages such as the production of high-quality compost, reduction in waste generation and landfill disposal, and the potential for income generation.

Here are the technical guidelines for vermicomposting:

• Design and construction: The vermicomposting unit should be designed and constructed in a manner that allows for proper drainage, aeration, and temperature control. The size of the unit should be based on the quantity of waste to be processed.
• The ideal size of the vermicomposting bin should be around 1 meter in height and 1-1.5 meters in width.
• Site selection: The vermicomposting unit should be located in a well-ventilated area with access to water and electricity.
• Feedstock selection: The feedstock for vermicomposting should be a mix of organic waste such as food waste, vegetable waste, and yard waste. The feedstock should be shredded or chopped to facilitate the feeding process.
• The worms used for vermicomposting should be surface-dwelling species such as red worms or tiger worms.
• Maintenance:The moisture content of the vermicomposting bin should be between 70-80%.
• Harvesting: The vermicompost should be harvested once it reaches maturity, which is indicated by a dark brown colour and earthy smell.The harvested vermicompost should be sieved to remove any large particles. The vermicomposting process can take between 1-4 months, depending on the type of waste and the composting conditions.

Some general guidelines on the capacity of vermicomposting units based on the quantity of waste to be processed:

• Household Scale: For household vermicomposting units, the quantity of waste to be processed is usually around 1-2 kg per day. The capacity of the unit can range from 10-50 litres.
• Community Scale: For community vermicomposting units, the quantity of waste to be processed can range from 50-500 kg per day. The capacity of the unit can range from 500-5000 litres.
• Commercial Scale: For large-scale commercial vermicomposting units, the quantity of waste to be processed can be several tonnes per day. The capacity of the unit can range from 10,000-50,000 litres or more.

A brief guide on Vermicomposting >

Mechanical composting

Mechanical composting is a method of composting organic waste that uses machines to speed up the process and produce high-quality compost. Here are some technical guidelines for implementing mechanical composting in India:

• Location: Choose a location that is well-drained, away from water bodies, and at a safe distance from residential areas to prevent odor nuisance.
• Preparing the composting material: The composting material should be a mixture of brown and green organic waste, such as dry leaves, grass clippings, kitchen waste, and cow dung. The carbon to nitrogen ratio should be between 25:1 and 30:1.
• Shredding: The waste should be shredded before being added to the machine to improve the efficiency of the composting process.
• Adding the composting material to the machine: The composting material should be added to the machine in layers, with the first layer being about 10cm thick.
• Moisture management: The composting material should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Sprinkle water on the composting material if it appears dry.
• Turning the compost: Depending on the type of machine, the compost may need to be turned periodically to ensure that it decomposes evenly.
• Composting time: The composting process takes between 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of machine and the quantity and type of waste.
• Using the compost: The compost can be used as a soil amendment in gardens, agriculture, and horticulture.
• Maintenance of the machine: The machine should be cleaned and maintained regularly to ensure that it is working efficiently.

It is important to note that the guidelines may vary depending on the type of machine and the local regulations. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with experts and relevant authorities before implementing a mechanical composting system.

Understanding Incineration

Incineration is a waste management technology that involves burning waste materials at high temperatures in a specially designed facility to generate energy in the form of heat or electricity. In India, incineration technology is increasingly being used for waste-to-energy (WTE) projects as a means of dealing with the country’s mounting waste management problem.

The Indian government has set a target of generating 100 MW of power from waste by 2020 and 300 MW by 2030. To achieve this goal, several WTE plants based on incineration technology have been constructed or are currently under construction in various cities in India.

The Indian government has developed guidelines for the setting up of waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, including those using incineration technology. These guidelines provide information on the technical, environmental, and regulatory aspects of WTE plants to ensure that they are designed, constructed, and operated to the highest standards.

According to the guidelines, the minimum capacity for a WTE plant based on incineration technology should be 100 tons per day. This is to ensure that the plant is economically viable and can generate sufficient electricity or heat to make the project financially sustainable. The guidelines do not specify a maximum capacity for incineration-based WTE plants.

In addition to the minimum capacity requirement, the guidelines also specify the following technical requirements for incineration-based WTE plants:

• The plant should be designed to handle the specific type of waste to be processed and should be equipped with appropriate waste handling equipment.
• The incinerator should be designed to achieve a minimum combustion temperature of 850°C and should be equipped with pollution control devices to control emissions.
• The plant should be equipped with a heat recovery system to maximize the generation of electricity or heat.
• The plant should comply with all relevant environmental regulations and obtain all necessary permits before construction and operation.
• The plant should be designed with appropriate safety measures to minimize the risk of accidents and protect workers and the surrounding community.

Overall, the Indian government is committed to promoting the development of sustainable waste management practices, including the use of WTE technologies such as incineration, to address the country’s waste management challenges.

Some of the notable incineration-based WTE plants in India are:

• Okhla Waste-to-Energy Plant, Delhi: This is one of the largest WTE plants in India with a capacity to process 2,000 tons of municipal solid waste per day and generate 16 MW of electricity.
• Timarpur-Okhla Waste-to-Energy Plant, Delhi: This plant has a capacity to process 1,300 tons of municipal solid waste per day and generate 16 MW of electricity.
• Waste-to-Energy Plant, Jabalpur: This plant has a capacity to process 600 tons of municipal solid waste per day and generate 6 MW of electricity.
• Waste-to-Energy Plant, Vijayawada: This plant has a capacity to process 500 tons of municipal solid waste per day and generate 5 MW of electricity.
• Waste-to-Energy Plant, Bengaluru: This plant has a capacity to process 500 tons of municipal solid waste per day and generate 8 MW of electricity.

However, there are concerns about the environmental impacts of incineration technology, including the emission of air pollutants such as dioxins and furans, which are harmful to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is important to ensure that WTE plants using incineration technology are designed, constructed, and operated to the highest standards to minimize the release of harmful pollutants.

Overall, these methods are used for waste-to-energy projects in India, depending on the type of waste, technology availability, and local regulations. The goal of waste-to-energy is to reduce waste generation, recover energy from waste, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

Understanding Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process that converts organic material into fuel or other useful products. In India, pyrolysis is used as a waste-to-energy technology to convert waste plastics, tires, and other non-biodegradable materials into useful products such as fuel oil, carbon black, and gas.

As per the Indian guidelines for the establishment of pyrolysis plants, the minimum plant capacity is 5 tons per day (TPD), while the maximum plant capacity is 500 TPD. However, the guidelines state that the plant capacity should be decided based on the availability of waste and the financial viability of the project. The guidelines also provide various technical and environmental requirements for the establishment of pyrolysis plants, such as the use of proper pollution control measures and the compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

Some of the key guidelines and regulations related to pyrolysis in India are:

• Environmental Clearance: Any pyrolysis project in India requires environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The clearance process involves an environmental impact assessment and public consultation.
• Waste Management Rules: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, provide guidelines for waste management practices in India. The rules require that waste generated from pyrolysis plants should be treated and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
• Pollution Control Norms: Pyrolysis plants must comply with the pollution control norms specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The norms cover parameters such as stack emissions, ambient air quality, and wastewater discharge.
• Safety Guidelines: The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) issues safety guidelines for the storage and handling of pyrolysis products such as fuel oil and gas. The guidelines cover aspects such as fire safety, explosion prevention, and handling procedures.
• Technology Standards: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has issued standards for the design, construction, and operation of pyrolysis plants in India. The standards cover aspects such as safety, efficiency, and quality control.

Overall, the guidelines and regulations related to pyrolysis in India aim to ensure that the technology is used in an environmentally sound and safe manner. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for the sustainable growth of pyrolysis as a waste-to-energy technology in India.