The Role of Sanitary Landfills in Solid Waste Management
Alok Gogate

The Role of Sanitary Landfills in India’s Solid Waste Management

After processing wet and dry waste properly whatever inert part remains which will not be processed further is sent to sanitary landfills for safe disposal and ultimately the completion of the solid waste management process.

In India, the guidelines for the sanitary landfill site for solid waste disposal are provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The technical details for designing and constructing a sanitary landfill site are also specified in these rules.

Key guidelines and technical details on sanitary landfills

  • Site selection: The landfill site should be located at least 500 meters away from residential areas, 200 meters from water bodies, and 20 meters from highways or roads. The site should also have a natural slope for proper drainage and be free from flooding, earthquakes, or landslides.
  • Design and construction: The landfill site should have a lining system at the bottom made of a geomembrane or clay layer to prevent leachate from contaminating the soil and groundwater. The site should also have a leachate collection system, a gas collection and control system, and a cover system to prevent odors and littering.
  • Operation and maintenance: The landfill site should be operated and maintained by a qualified operator who is responsible for ensuring proper waste management practices are followed. The operator should also monitor the landfill’s performance and take corrective measures if necessary.
  • Closure and post-closure care: Once the landfill site reaches its capacity, it should be closed following the guidelines provided by the MoEFCC. The site should be capped with a layer of soil and vegetation, and the leachate and gas collection systems should be continued for at least five years after closure.

In addition to the above guidelines, there are also specific technical details regarding the size and capacity of the landfill site, the design of access roads and drainage systems, and the monitoring and reporting requirements. These technical details are specified in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and should be followed strictly to ensure the safe and effective management of solid waste in India.

The best Case Studies for Sanitary Landfill Sites of Solid Waste Management in India

Okhla Landfill, Delhi:

The Okhla landfill site is located in Delhi and is one of the largest landfill sites in India. The site was established in 1996 and receives around 2,700 metric tonnes of waste per day. The site has been designed to meet international standards and has a leachate treatment plant, gas extraction system and a landfill gas power plant. The site has been able to reduce the amount of methane emissions and generate electricity from the landfill gas. (Source: Central Pollution Control Board, Government of India)

Deonar Landfill, Mumbai:

The Deonar landfill site is located in Mumbai and is one of the oldest and largest landfill sites in India. The site was established in 1927 and receives around 5,000 metric tonnes of waste per day. The site has faced numerous problems such as fires, leachate pollution, and health hazards for the nearby residents. In 2016, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation initiated a plan to convert the site into a scientific landfill with a leachate treatment plant, waste-to-energy plant and a composting plant. (Source: Mumbai Municipal Corporation)

Ghazipur Landfill, Delhi:

The Ghazipur landfill site is located in Delhi and is one of the tallest landfill sites in India. The site was established in 1984 and receives around 2,000 metric tonnes of waste per day. The site has faced numerous problems such as fires, leachate pollution, and health hazards for the nearby residents. In 2018, a portion of the site collapsed and resulted in the death of two people. The Delhi government has since then initiated a plan to close down the site and convert it into a green area. (Source: The Hindu)

Bhandewadi Landfill, Nagpur:

The Bhandewadi landfill site is located in Nagpur and is one of the most successful landfill sites in India. The site was established in 2008 and receives around 1,000 metric tonnes of waste per day. The site has a leachate treatment plant, a biogas plant and a composting plant. The biogas plant has a capacity to generate 2.8 MW of electricity from the landfill gas. The site has been able to reduce the amount of waste going to the landfill and has been able to generate revenue from the electricity and composting. (Source: Nagpur Municipal Corporation).

For more, read some of our other expert articles.

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At-Source Wet Waste Management and Composting
Alok Gogate

Compost your waste for improved at-source wet waste management

Welcome aboard our eco-adventure, fellow environmental enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of at-source wet waste management and one of its pivotal pillars – composting.

Once Upon a Time in a Wasteful Land…

The Latin language has given us a very wonderful phrase: scientia potentia est. Translated to spoken English, it means “Knowledge is power”.

Let’s hear the tale of a faraway city of Wasteful Land. Its citizens were growing increasingly troubled with their living conditions, which were deteriorating day by day. But not all citizens of Wasteful Land were ordinary; some of them were blessed with secret powers and knowledge from ancient scriptures. With dedication and heroic use of their knowledge, they helped the citizens of Wasteful Land completely revolutionize their city into localities filled with cleaner air, lush greenery as far as the eye could see, and more efficient households. Citizens decided to call their new homes “Green City”.

So, what was this extra-ordinary knowledge that turned Wasteful Land into Green City? Let us find out.

Earlier, people used to throw their food scraps, peels, and leftovers into the trash without a second thought. Mountains of waste piled up, leaving a stinky mess behind and making it difficult to combat the ever-increasing environmental issues. But little did they know that their garbage could turn into something magical!

Enter the Composting Heroes

The pioneers of Green City were enthusiastic environmentalists who decided to bring about a change and promote at-source wet waste management. They understood that by collecting and composting organic waste right where it’s generated – at home, schools, and businesses – they could do wonders for the environment.

The Marvels of At-Source Wet Waste Management

Less Landfill Troubles

When organic waste is thrown into landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane, a dangerous greenhouse gas. By composting at the source, this methane emission is drastically reduced, lessening the impact on climate change.

Rich, Nutrient-Packed Compost

Composting converts kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost, affectionately known as “Black Gold.” This compost acts as a natural fertilizer, enhancing soil quality and promoting healthy plant growth.

Wohoo! Number: According to the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF), India produced approximately 5.78 million metric tons of organic compost in 2018-2019, promoting sustainable farming practices and improving soil fertility.

Taming the Trash Mountains

With at-source composting, the amount of waste sent to landfills is significantly reduced. This means fewer overflowing landfills and a cleaner, greener neighborhood.

Woohoo! Number: According to reports, the city of Bengaluru has been able to divert around 600-700 tons of waste per day from landfills through community-led composting initiatives. This significant reduction in organic waste going to landfills has helped ease the burden on the city’s waste management infrastructure.

Engaging the Community

After the initiation of at-source wet waste management, communities of Green City banded together like never before. Neighbors formed composting clubs, sharing tips, and inspiring each other to make the most of their domestic wet waste consisting majorly of food waste.

Real-Life Superheroes of Composting

Still think Wasteful Land and Green City are fictional cities? Think again! India has seen the emergence of real-life superheroes who have taken composting to a whole other level.

Daily Dump (Bengaluru)

This organization was founded by Poonam Bir Kasturi in April 2006. Their vision is to constantly re-imagine our relationship with the earth, with each other and with our urban spaces. They have come up with innovative composting bins for households that promote at-source waste management and regular composting.

Official website >

Mrs. Gupta’s Bountiful Terrace Garden (Delhi)

Mrs. Gupta, a resident of Delhi, decided to adopt at-source wet waste management and composting at her home. She diligently composted her kitchen waste, including vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and leftover food. Over time, she created nutrient-rich compost and used it in her terrace garden. The results were astonishing! Her garden blossomed with vibrant flowers and yielded bountiful organic vegetables. Not only did Mrs. Gupta reduce her contribution to landfills, but she also experienced the joy of harvesting her own organic produce.

Green Acres Society’s Community Composting (Mumbai)

The residents of Green Acres Society in Mumbai came together to tackle their waste problem. They set up a community composting unit within the premises. Families began segregating their organic waste, and the composting unit did its magic. The society witnessed a significant reduction in waste sent to landfills, and the compost produced was used to nurture their common green spaces. The sense of community and accomplishment amongst the residents soared as they actively contributed to a greener environment.

Read more on Other Housing Societies that have turned into Superhero Communities >

Sushil’s Farming Success (Pune)

Sushil, a farmer from the outskirts of Pune, embraced composting to revitalize his depleted soil. By composting agricultural residues, animal manure, and kitchen waste, he created organic manure to enrich his farmland. With healthier soil and improved nutrient content, Sushil experienced a remarkable increase in crop yield and quality. This success story inspired neighboring farmers to follow suit, creating a positive ripple effect of sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

The Green Bites Cafe (Bengaluru)

The Green Bites Cafe in Bengaluru took up at-source wet waste management as part of their commitment to sustainability. They trained their staff and customers to separate organic waste from other waste streams. By composting their food scraps and using compostable packaging, the cafe significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills. Customers appreciated the eco-friendly approach, and the cafe earned a reputation as a responsible, environmentally conscious establishment, attracting a loyal customer base.

Garden of Smiles (Hyderabad)

A children’s home in Hyderabad, called the Garden of Smiles, initiated a composting project to teach children about environmental stewardship. The children actively collected kitchen waste and garden clippings for composting. They witnessed the transformation of waste into nutrient-rich compost, which they used to grow vegetables in their small garden. Through this project, the children not only learned valuable lessons about composting but also experienced the joy of self-sufficiency and the beauty of nature.

The Ripple Effect of Composting

Join the Composting Revolution! Dear readers, you too can be part of this magical transformation. Embrace at-source wet waste management and composting in your own home. Get your hands dirty, watch the enchanting process of composting unfold, and witness the wonders it does for your garden and the planet.

Let’s pledge to be composting heroes, one kitchen scrap at a time, and together, we’ll build a sustainable world full of life, color, and hope for generations to come.

Remember, the power to change the world lies right in your hands – and in that handful of kitchen waste you can turn into treasure!

Happy Composting! 🌿🌎💚

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Impact of Extended Producer Responsibility
Alok Gogate

The Impact of Extended Producer Responsibility

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.

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Alok Gogate

Screen Impact Research Project

PROBLEM

The Gazdharbandh pumping station has 2 Trash Booms and 6 Mechanized Screens which collect solid waste from the canal. The nature and volume of this solid waste, along with the sources and reasons for its generation, needed to be understood. Additionally, the environmental impact created by the installation of trash booms and mechanized screens needed to be assessed, particularly in terms of their role in preventing ocean pollution.

CLIENT

A.T.E. HUBER Envirotech Private Limited

WHAT WE DO?

We conducted a comprehensive research study to analyze the solid waste entering the canal. This was done by auditing the solid waste collected at the trash booms and mechanized screen at the Gazdharbandh pumping station. Actual waste characterization has been conducted at the site along with the survey of around 5km on the upstream of the canal to understand waste management scenario.

OUTCOME

We conducted a comprehensive research study to analyze the solid waste entering the canal. This was done by auditing the solid waste collected at the trash booms and mechanized screen at the Gazdharbandh pumping station. Actual waste characterization has been conducted at the site along with the survey of around 5km on the upstream of the canal to understand waste management scenario.

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Alok Gogate

Field Research In 106 ULBs

INTENT

To conduct field research across 106 urban local bodies in Nashik, Pune, and Kokan division to understand the factual scenario for implementation of proposed integration of National Urban Livelihood Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission. The study concluded with designing business models for integrating waste pickers and SHGs for improving waste management scenarios with cost effective and efficient systems.

CLIENT

Research Centre for Urban and Environmental Studies (RCUES, Mumbai) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Delhi.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We embarked on a field research journey across these urban local bodies to understand the current landscape for integration of waste pickers and SHGs. Detailed study was conducted to define parameters necessary to create models targeting integration.

OUTCOME

As a result of our study, we successfully identified 12 entrepreneurial business models along with financial and governance structures. These models are designed to empower waste pickers and self-help groups, fostering sustainable waste management activities in these urban local bodies. This approach underscores our commitment to impact-driven entrepreneurship development, promoting sustainability and inclusivity.

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Project 06 - Capacity Building for Wet Waste Management
Alok Gogate

Capacity Building for Wet Waste Management

INTENT

With an aim to conduct capacity building sessions in collaboration with GIZ, India, focusing on options for wet waste management in cities.

CLIENT

Swachh Maharashtra Mission office and GIZ-India.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We successfully organized and conducted these capacity building sessions on wet waste management. The sessions were designed to be interactive and informative, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of wet waste management strategies. The audience included the State Mission Director for SBM, Chief officers for ULBs, and technical experts, and decision makers and influencers working across Swachh Maharashtra Mission Unit.

OUTCOME

The sessions were highly successful, reaching around 60 attendees. These attendees were equipped with valuable information on wet waste management strategies, which they can apply in their respective fields. This knowledge dissemination is expected to contribute significantly to the reduction of wet waste going to landfills. Thus, the project not only enhanced the capacity of key stakeholders but also paved the way for more sustainable waste management practices.

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Project 05 - Sustainable Waste Management Practices for ULBs
Alok Gogate

Sustainable Waste Management Practices for Urban Local Bodies

INTENT

The primary objective of this project was to assist in the design of sustainable waste management practices for approximately 47 cities across Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur districts. The aim was to support the implementation of the Swachh Maharashtra Mission by preparing a detailed and audited plan of action for these cities for the next five years.

CLIENT

Swachh Maharashtra Mission Office and BKumar Infra Advisory Services

WHAT DID WE DO?

We are providing support to understand the existing waste management systems and design detailed project reports for improving the waste processing infrastructure of cities in their journey towards sustainable waste management. This involves a detailed understanding of each city’s unique challenges and needs, followed by the preparation of an audited plan of action that aligns with the goals of the Swachh Maharashtra Mission. This plan takes into account various factors such as current waste management practices, potential areas for improvement, and future goals. The program is currently underway and is expected to conclude by the end of November.

OUTCOME

Our expertise in sustainable waste management practices will assist these cities in developing an effective action plan. This plan will guide them towards achieving sustainable waste management services that align with the goals of both the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Swachh Maharashtra Mission.

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Project 04 - Waste Pickers Integration Pic 03
Alok Gogate

Improving 7R ecosystem through integration of waste pickers and SHGs

PROBLEM

The challenge was to improve the 7R ecosystem through the integration of waste pickers and Self Help Groups (SHGs). This involved understanding the waste picker integration and functioning of the SHGs, and initiating demonstrative work in three cities: Lonavala, Rahuri, and Baramati.

CLIENT

In partnership with the Urban Local Bodies of Lonavala Municipal Council, Rahuri Municipal Council, and Baramati Municipal Council.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We identified the right stakeholders and conducted surveys to understand the overall ecosystem of each city with the perspective of informal waste management practices. We also interacted with waste pickers and SHGs in all three cities, conducting capacity building and exposure sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge. During these interactions, we discussed 12 entrepreneurial sustainable waste management business models. We explored the areas of interest of the waste pickers and SHGs, helping them identify potential avenues for their entrepreneurial journey in sustainable waste management.

OUTCOME

As a result of our efforts, up till now we have conducted a capacity building and exposure sessions with more than 1000 waste pickers and SHGs across all three cities. These sessions have not only enhanced their skills and knowledge but also sparked their interest in various entrepreneurial sustainable waste management business models. The potential of this program is to provide a better working environment for waste pickers, align them with social welfare schemes, and provide a sustainable income source. For SHGs, waste management presents a new avenue for business, increasing the number of green jobs available in a particular geography. This program particularly promotes entrepreneurship and improved working conditions for both SHGs and waste pickers. The feedback and areas of interest gathered from the waste pickers and SHGs are being used to tailor the entrepreneurial models to their needs, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful implementation and adoption.

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Project 03 - Promoting 7R
Alok Gogate

Collaborating with solution providers to promote 7R

Understanding the need for working on ease of business for connecting waste generators with the solution providers, a consensus has been developed with solution providers for particular types of like E waste, Wet waste, Domestic Hazardous waste, Sanitary waste, Paper and Plastic waste, Garden waste to percolate their solutions on field for higher positive impact on the environment. This will directly divert the waste into recycling value chain and thus away from landfill.

Activity

a. The Vega Controls Pvt ltd company was supported for channelizing and deriving value from the E waste created at their office space through an MPCB authorized entity.
b. Dry battery cells in terms of domestic Hazardous waste have been a nuisance and there is lack of awareness on better handling of dry battery cells and also lack of technology for processing of the dry battery cells. KIF has partnered with Sorting Swans Ecosocial Pvt. Ltd (SSEPL) a startup that has been incubated in Venture Capital, NCL, Pune for creating awareness on right way. of handling the dry battery cell waste and collection of the dry battery cell waste.

Stakeholders:

Variety of waste generators have been reached out to partner for developing sustainable campuses and zero waste businesses.

Outcome

a. 190Kgs of E waste has been diverted away from the landfill into formal recycling value chain.
b. More than 150Kgs of dry battery cells waste has been collected and handed over to the technology partner (SSEPL).

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Project 02 - Waste Management Ecosystem Pic 02
Alok Gogate

Waste Management Ecosystem Awareness Sessions

INTENT

The aim was to conduct awareness sessions with a variety of stakeholders to promote waste-conscious communities. The sessions were designed based on the type of audience, ranging from schools to corporates to active citizen groups, with the goal of delivering the expected outcome.

WHAT DID WE DO?

We designed and conducted interactive sessions that included games aimed at building sustainable habits and helping various cohorts of people understand their own waste generation. The sessions or workshops were not only engaging but also educational, providing participants with a deeper understanding of various types of waste and how to manage them effectively. The sessions were tailored to the audience, whether they were school students, corporate employees, or active citizen groups. The goal was to make learning about waste management fun and engaging, thereby encouraging participants to adopt sustainable waste management habits in their daily lives. These habits include practices such as waste segregation at source, recycling, and composting.

CLIENT

  1. WRI, India
  2. Pratibha school and Junior college, Pimpri Chinchwad
  3. Rotary Club of Pune sports city , Pune
  4. Finnastra Pvt. Ltd, Pune
  5. MIT, WPU Pune
  6. Dignity Lifestyle township and Old age home, Nerul
  7. Lifestyle Republic , Nerhe

OUTCOME

Through these awareness programs, we connected with around 655 people, promoting the idea of waste-conscious neighborhoods. This outreach is estimated to have reached around 10000 households, promoting segregation and sustainable waste management practices.

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