Iwmsc Module 2
Iwmsc Module 2
Program : U.G.
Sem : VI
Subject Code : BCV654C
Subject : Integrated Waste Management for a Smart City
Faculty : [Link] V
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MODULE-2
Biological treatment of the organic waste fraction; Direct land application, composting, and
anaerobic digestion. MSW Rules 2016, Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Program.
Organic waste is biodegradable waste of plant or animal origin that can decompose in nature without
too much difficulty and be transformed into another type of organic material.
The "organic fraction of municipal solid waste" (OFMSW) refers to the biodegradable component of
household waste, like food scraps, coffee grounds, yard waste, and paper products, which can be broken
down by microorganisms, making it suitable for biological treatment methods like composting or
anaerobic digestion;
Composition: OFMSW includes food waste, plant material, paper, and other organic materials from
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households and businesses.
Importance: Separating OFMSW from other waste allows for its effective recycling through
composting or anaerobic digestion, which can produce valuable biogas and compost.
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Challenges: Contamination with non-biodegradable materials like plastic can hinder the composting
process, so proper waste sorting is crucial.
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Benefits of biological treatment:
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Resource recovery: Converts waste into valuable products like compost (for soil amendment) or
biogas (renewable energy source).
Reduced landfill waste: Diverting organic materials from landfills minimizes methane emissions.
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The organic waste fraction of municipal solid waste should be treated because when left untreated, it
significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions (particularly methane) when decomposing in
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landfills, contaminates soil and water, attracts pests, and wastes valuable nutrients that could be recycled
as fertilizer; proper treatment allows for resource recovery through composting or anaerobic digestion,
mitigating these environmental impacts and creating beneficial by-products like compost or renewable
energy.
TREATMENT METHODS:
The following are the major treatment methods adopted for organic waste as shown in figure 1.
o Direct Land Application: Involves applying raw or partially treated organic waste directly onto the
soil surface, where naturally occurring microorganisms break down the organic matter, converting it
into nutrients that can be utilized by plants, essentially acting as a fertilizer while simultaneously
improving soil health and structure;
o Composting: Aerobic decomposition of organic matter to produce nutrient-rich compost for soil
amendment.
o Anaerobic digestion: Breakdown of organic material in the absence of oxygen to generate biogas
(methane) for energy production.
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Fig 1: Treatment of Organic Waste.
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DIRECT LAND APPLICATION OF ORGANIC WASTE:
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"Direct land application" of this organic fraction means directly applying the untreated organic waste
to soil as a fertilizer, often used in agricultural settings, but with potential concerns regarding nutrient
imbalances and contamination and shown in figure 2.. This method is commonly used in agriculture to
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o Organic waste sources: Manure, food scraps, crop residues, sewage sludge, and green waste. Need to
remove contaminants (plastics, metals, non-biodegradable materials).
o Spreading organic waste directly on top of the soil. Followed by mixing waste into the soil to enhance
decomposition and minimize nutrient loss.
o For Liquid waste, directly injecting organic slurry into the soil to reduce odour and nutrient runoff.
o Soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes) break down organic matter and further, releases
essential nutrients increasing soil microbial diversity and activity, improving overall fertility.
o Boosts natural biological processes, supporting plant growth and crop yield.
Factors affecting direct land application in waste management include: Waste composition, soil type,
climate conditions, regulatory restrictions, land availability, potential contaminant levels in the waste,
public perception, the presence of heavy metals or hazardous materials, application rates, and the
intended use of the land; all of which must be considered to ensure safe and environmentally responsible
land application practices.
Waste composition: The type of waste being applied directly to land significantly impacts its
suitability, with organic waste generally being more readily accepted than inorganic or hazardous
materials.
Soil characteristics: Soil type, texture, and drainage capacity determine how well the waste can be
incorporated and the potential for nutrient leaching or contaminant migration.
Climate and weather: Rainfall patterns and temperature can influence the decomposition rate of
organic waste and the potential for nutrient runoff.
Regulations and legal frameworks: Local regulations regarding land application practices,
including permissible contaminant levels, must be adhered to.
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Land availability: Access to suitable land with appropriate soil conditions is critical for direct land
application.
Contaminant levels: Testing for heavy metals, pathogens, and other hazardous substances in the
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waste is essential to prevent environmental contamination.
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Public perception: Community acceptance of land application practices can be impacted by
concerns about potential odors, aesthetics, and environmental risks.
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Compost application: Carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, maturity level, particle size, and potential for
nutrient leaching.
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Biosolids application: Heavy metal content, pathogen levels, and potential for soil amendment
benefits.
Advantages:
o Simple and cost-effective method, especially for small-scale operations.
o Provides nutrients to the soil, potentially improving soil health.
o Enhances soil water-holding capacity, reducing the need for irrigation.
o Carbon sequestration helps mitigate climate change by storing atmospheric CO₂ in the soil.
o Reduces landfill waste and mitigates environmental pollution.
Disadvantages:
o Potential for nutrient imbalances and excessive nitrogen loading if not properly managed.
o May introduce pests, pathogens, and weed seeds if not properly composted.
o Potential for odour issues and aesthetic concerns.
COMPOSTING
Composting is a biological process that breaks down organic waste into a nutrient-rich fertilizer. It's a
natural, economical, and eco-friendly way to treat organic waste. This process relies on microorganisms
(bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) to break down organic matter under controlled conditions.
In municipal solid waste management, composting involves collecting the organic fraction of waste (like
food scraps, yard waste) and allowing it to decompose naturally through the activity of microorganisms
under controlled conditions, like proper moisture and aeration, to produce a usable compost material that
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can be used as fertilizer for soil improvement; this process typically involves steps like collection,
sorting, pre-processing, mixing, turning the compost pile to ensure proper oxygenation, and monitoring
the temperature to ensure optimal decomposition.
Steps in Composting: C
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o The first step is to separate the organic waste from other waste components like plastics and metals
through sorting at the household or collection facility.
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o The majority of composting methods used in municipal settings are aerobic, meaning they rely on
oxygen-loving microbes to break down organic matter, producing carbon dioxide, water, and heat
as by-products.
o The collected organic waste is typically placed in a compost pile or bin where the material is turned
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materials like leaves and wood chips provide carbon, while "green" materials like food scraps and
grass clippings provide nitrogen.
o After the initial decomposition, the compost may go through a maturation phase where it is allowed
to further stabilize and cure before being ready for use as a soil amendment.
Factors that affect composting include temperature, moisture, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, aeration, and
composition of waste.
Optimal temperature: 131–160°F (55–71°C) is ideal for beneficial microorganisms
Temperature rise: Microbial activity increases during compression, which causes a temperature rise
Pathogen destruction: High temperatures kill pathogens that are harmful to plants, animals, and
humans
Ideal moisture: The pile should feel like a wrung-out sponge
Too dry: Slows down the composting process
Too wet: Creates an anaerobic environment that slows down decomposition and causes bad odors
High carbon-to-nitrogen ratio: Limits the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, slowing
decomposition.
Forced aeration: Air is passed through the pile continuously or periodically
Contained odours: If air is drawn down the pile, odours from the compost are contained in the
system
Texture of raw materials: Affects the composting process
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Volume of waste: Affects the temperature
Advantages:
Provides slow-release nutrients (N, P, K) for plants. The compost can be used as a fertilizer or soil
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amendment.
High temperatures kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and weed seeds.
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Disadvantages (Challenges):
Insufficient oxygen leads to anaerobic conditions and foul odours
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Types of Composting: There are several types of composting methods used to convert organic waste
into nutrient-rich compost:
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting utilises earthworms to break down organic waste. Worms consume organic matter,
and their castings (worm poop) create nutrient-rich compost. It can be done in small-scale setups like
worm bins as shown in figure 4.
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Aerobic Composting
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Fig 4: Vermicomposting
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Aerobic composting is a process of decomposing organic materials using oxygen-dependent
microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, in the presence of air. This method typically involves
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creating a compost pile or using a compost bin with adequate airflow as shown in figure 5. The
microorganisms break down the organic waste, generating heat as a by-product, which speeds up the
decomposition process. This method helps to control odours, suppress pathogens and weed seeds, and
maintain a balanced carbon-to-nitrogen (C: N) ratio.
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Anaerobic Composting
Anaerobic composting is a process of organic waste decomposition that occurs in the absence of oxygen.
Unlike aerobic composting, which relies on the activity of oxygen-dependent microorganisms, anaerobic
composting involves the breakdown of organic matter by anaerobic bacteria in an oxygen-deprived
environment. As shown in figure 6, this process typically occurs in sealed containers or anaerobic
digesters. Anaerobic composting tends to be slower and less efficient than aerobic composting, and it
can produce odours and methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas.
Windrow Composting
Windrow composting involves creating long, narrow piles or rows of organic waste. These rows are
periodically turned and aerated to promote decomposition. Windrow composting is often used in large-
scale operations as shown in figure 7.
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Fig 7: Windrow Composting Fig 8: In-Vessel Composting
In-vessel Composting
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In-vessel composting is done in enclosed containers or structures, such as compost tumblers or specially-
designed composting machines as shown if figure 8. The controlled environment allows for faster and
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more efficient decomposition.
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Bokashi Composting
Bokashi composting is a fermentation process that involves adding a specialised mixture of beneficial
microorganisms to organic waste as shown in figure 10. The waste is fermented in an airtight container,
producing a nutrient-rich compost.
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Comparison: Direct Land Application vs. Composting:
Aspect Direct Land Application Composting
Decomposition Site C
In soil (natural conditions) In controlled compost piles
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Immediate application,
Processing Time 4–12 weeks (faster breakdown)
slow breakdown
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Pathogen Risk Higher (raw waste) Lower (high heat kills pathogens)
Odour Control Potential odour issues Better odour management
Nutrient Release Fast but variable release Slow, steady nutrient supply
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ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
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Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that treats organic waste by breaking it down into biogas and
other organic compounds. It's a common method for treating waste in both developed and developing
countries.
Aerobic digestion in municipal solid waste treatment involves exposing the organic fraction of the waste
to oxygen-rich conditions, allowing aerobic bacteria to break down the organic matter into carbon
dioxide, water, and a stable compost-like material, essentially mimicking a natural composting process
where microorganisms actively consume the organic material in the presence of oxygen; this method is
often used to treat food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable components of municipal solid
waste.
The figure 11 shows the working of anaerobic digestion.
1. Pre-treatment: The waste is homogenized and any contamination is removed.
2. Anaerobic reactor: The waste is placed in an airtight reactor without oxygen.
3. Anaerobic digestion: Microorganisms break down the waste into biogas and other organic
compounds.
4. Biogas capture: The biogas is cleaned and captured in a storage balloon.
5. Biogas use: The biogas can be used to generate heat, electricity, or vehicle fuel.
6. Sludge treatment: The remaining sludge can be used as fertilizer, animal bedding, or for crop
irrigation.
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1. Waste Collection & Pre-Treatment
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byproducts.
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Organic waste sources: food waste, manure, sewage sludge, crop residues, and industrial
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o Sorting & pre-treatment: Remove contaminants (plastics, metals) and adjust moisture & particle
size.
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a) Hydrolysis: Complex organic matter (carbohydrates, proteins, fats) is broken down into simpler
molecules (sugars, amino acids, fatty acids).
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b) Acidogenesis: Microorganisms convert these molecules into organic acids, alcohols, and
hydrogen.
c) Acetogenesis: Organic acids are further converted into acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.
d) Methanogenesis: Methanogenic bacteria produce methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂)
from acetate and hydrogen.
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Fig 12: Biological Decomposition of Anaerobic Digestion
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Factors affecting anaerobic digestion included are C/N ratio, F/M ratio, pH, temperature, Organic
Loading Rate, Hydraulic Loading Rate, presence of toxins (Inherent component, or a by-product of the
metabolism).
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Renewable Energy Production: Converts organic waste into biogas, reducing fossil fuel
dependence.
Organic Waste Management: Reduces the volume of waste material, diverts waste from landfills
and thus reducing methane emissions.
Nutrient Recycling: Digestate is a valuable fertilizer that enhances soil health.
Odour & Pathogen Reduction: Controlled conditions significantly reduce unpleasant odours and
kill harmful pathogens.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Captures methane emissions that would otherwise contribute to
climate change.
Biogas Purification Needed: Raw biogas contains impurities (H₂S, moisture) that require cleaning
before use.
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Nutrient Recycling Yes (digestate applied to soil) Yes (compost applied to soil)
Covers urban and rural areas, special economic zones (SEZs), airports, railway stations, and places
of worship.
2. Waste Segregation at Source:
Waste must be segregated into three categories:
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The MSW Rules, 2016 aim to promote sustainable waste management by enforcing segregation,
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processing, and disposal of municipal solid waste in an eco-friendly manner as shown in figure 13. The
rules emphasize scientific waste management and the shared responsibility of citizens, businesses,
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The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) will monitor the implementation
of Solid Waste Management Rules in India. Besides, the ministry will create a Central Monitoring
Committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, MoEF.
Duties of various authorities and personnel involved in effective Solid Waste Management Rules,
2016 implementation
1. Duties of waste generators
By definition, as stated in the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, waste generator means every
individual or group of persons, every residential and non-residential premise such as defence
establishments and Indian Railways. Every waste generator must perform the following duties to
efficiently execute these rules.
(a) Segregate and store the waste generated in three categories: non-biodegradable, bio-degradable and
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domestic hazardous wastes in specific bins. Subsequently, this segregated waste must be handover to
authorised waste collectors or waste pickers.
(b) Securely wrap the used sanitary waste and place them in the non- bio-degradable or dry waste bin.
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(c) Separately store and dispose of demolition, construction, horticulture and garden waste.
(d) No waste generator shall burn, throw, or bury solid waste in open public spaces, streets, water bodies,
or drain.
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(e) All waste generators must pay a user fee for solid waste management. As per the definition in Solid
Management Rules, 2016, a user fee is a fee imposed on the waste generator by the local body and any
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in advance.
(g) Every street vendor must have suitable containers for storage of waste generated and shall submit
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the waste at a waste storage depot, vehicle, or container as mentioned by the local body.
(h) All resident welfare and market associations or gated institutions and communities having more than
5,000 sqm area or hotels and restaurants in partnership with the local body shall ensure effective
management of the generated waste within an year from the date of publication of SWM rules.
(d) Issue guidelines for maintaining the ratio of use and quality of compost and chemical fertilisers while
using compost on farmland.
4. Duties of the Central Pollution Control Board
The Central Pollution Control Board must –
(a) Co-ordinate with the Pollution Control Committees (PCC) and the State Pollution Control Boards
(SPCB) for implementing Solid Waste Management Rules and adhering to the prescribed standards
set up by local authorities.
(b) Establishing the regulations for ambient air, groundwater, noise pollution, and leachate regarding all
disposal facilities and solid waste processing.
(c) Review environmental norms and standards mentioned for solid waste processing units or treatment
technologies and improve them when required.
(d) Review the implementation of prescribed environmental standards at least once a year and compile
the data monitored.
(e) Review the proposals of PCC or SPCB on using new technologies for recycling, processing and
treatment of solid waste. Additionally, prescribe emission norms and performance standards within six
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months.
(f) Monitor the implementation of these rules by local bodies.
(g) Publish guidelines for maintaining buffer zone and on environmental aspects of disposal and
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processing of solid waste to allow local bodies to adhere to the provisions of these rules.
(h) Guide Union Territories or States on inter-state movement of waste.
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5. Duties of Pollution Control Committee (PCC) or State Pollution Control Board (SPCB)
The Pollution Control Committee or State Pollution Control Board must-
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(a) Enforce Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in their state and review implementation of these
rules at least two times in a year.
(b) Monitor environmental standards and adhere to Schedule I and II conditions for waste processing
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The process to get authorisation under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
To get the authorisation, every local authority of census towns and village panchayat must apply Form
1 to establish a waste processing, treatment, or disposal facility. If waste exceeds five metric tonnes per
day, then the following documents are required: –
Documents showing land ownership for solid waste processing site
Project report on Solid Waste Management
Municipal Solid Waste Annual Report of the previous year
Work order or authorisation issued to the operator of the solid waste processing facility
A permit from district level site selection committee
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is done after scrutinising every application on merit and according to the condition that the facility’s
operator has fulfilled all the provisions of the standards, rules, or conditions mentioned in the consents,
authorisation, or environment clearance.
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However, PCC or SPCB shall refuse to grant or renew an authorisation after offering enough chances to
the applicant of being heard and for reasons thereof to be recorded in writing.
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6. Duty of brand owners or manufacturers of disposable products and sanitary napkins and diapers
(a) All manufacturers of disposable products like plastic packaging, glass and so on or brand owners
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introducing such products in the market must offer required financial assistance to local authorities for
setting up of solid waste management system.
(b) All such brand owners who market or sell their products in non-biodegradable packaging material
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must establish a system to gather back the packaging waste generated due to their production.
(c) Brand owners, manufacturers, or marketing companies of diapers and sanitary napkins must explore
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the odds of utilising all recyclable materials in their products. Alternatively, they shall offer a wrapper
or pouch for disposal of each diaper or napkin along with the packet of their sanitary products.
(d) All such brand owners, manufacturers or marketing companies must be aware of the masses for
wrapping and disposal of their products.
Criteria mentioned in Solid Waste Management Rules for duties regarding establishing solid
waste processing and treatment facility
(1) The concerned department of the allocation of the land assignment will be held responsible for
offering suitable land for the establishment of the solid waste treatment and processing facilities and
notify such sites by the Union Territory Administration or State Government.
(2) The facility’s operator must design and establish the facility according to the technical guidelines
issued by the CPCB regarding this at regular intervals and the manual on SWM prepared by the Ministry
of Urban Development.
(3) The facility’s operator must get necessary approvals from the PCC or SPCB.
(4) The PCC or SPCB must analyse the environmental standards of the operation of these facilities.
(5) The operator of the facility will be responsible for the secure and environment-friendly operations of
the SW processing and/or treatment untis according to the norms set up by the CPCB at regular intervals
and the manual on Municipal SWM issued by the Ministry of Urban Development and updated regularly.
(6) The solid waste processing and treatment plant operator must submit an annual report in Form III
every year by 30th April to the PCC or SPCB and the concerned local body.
An essential revision of parameters and existing standards made under Solid Waste Management
Rules, 2016
Under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, essential updates clearly state that the deposit site should
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be 200 meters from a pond, 100 meters from the river, 200 meters from habitations, highways, water
supply wells and public parks and 20 km away from airbase or airports.
Updates are made on the emission standards, including furan, dioxin and particulate matter reduction
limits.
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The compost standards were also updated to comply with the Fertiliser Control Order.
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Conclusion
It will take some years to observe the drastic change that Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 will
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bring to India. Seeing how segregation at source works on the ground is challenging and exciting.
Awareness campaigns with NGOs, communities, students and other stakeholders may work wonders to
push for better implementation of SWM Rules. Moreover, the rules need to focus on awakening people
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and cleanliness across the country and was launched on October 2, 2014.
Mission Approach:
Elimination of open defecation
Eradication of Manual Scavenging
Modern and Scientific Municipal Solid Waste Management
To effect behavioural change regarding healthy sanitation practices
Generate awareness about sanitation and its linkage with public health
Capacity Augmentation for ULB’s
To create an enabling environment for private sector participation in Capex
Components:
Household toilets, including conversion of insanitary latrines into pour‐flush latrines;
Community toilets
Public toilets
Solid waste management
IEC & Public Awareness
Capacity building and Administrative & Office Expenses (A&OE)
Strategy
Comprehensive Sanitation Planning, which includes
– (a) City Level Sanitation Plans
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– (b) State Sanitation Concept As per Annexure IV
– (c) Sate Sanitation Strategy
Behavioural Change Strategy and IEC
Enabling Environment for Private sector participation
Capacity Building
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Special focus group
Manual scavengers in urban areas (Employment in Sanitary toilets).
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Priority shall be accorded pro‐actively to cover households with vulnerable sections such as
pensioners, girl children, pregnant and lactating mothers.
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The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for implementing the mission in
collaboration with the state governments.
The government of India has a vision of developing 100 smart cities by modernizing the existing mid‐
sized cities.
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Sustainable Environment.
Safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly.
Health and Education.
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routes and reduce unnecessary pickups.
Waste Tracking System:
Monitoring the movement of waste from collection points to processing facilities through digital
platforms, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Optimized Collection Routes: C
Utilizing data analytics to plan efficient collection routes based on waste generation patterns,
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minimizing fuel consumption and vehicle emissions.
Community Engagement:
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Educating citizens about proper waste disposal practices through mobile apps, awareness campaigns,
and incentives for responsible waste management.
Waste-to-Energy Initiatives:
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Exploring technologies to convert organic waste into energy sources like biogas, contributing to
renewable energy generation.
Benefits of Integrated Waste Management in Smart Cities:
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Drone Surveillance:
Aerial monitoring of waste collection areas to identify illegal dumping and potential environmental
hazards.
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The benefits of a smart waste management system include:
Lower costs. By having crews only make trips to bins that need attention, rather than visiting every
bin on a regular basis, cities can reduce the cost of labor and fuel.
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Less wear and tear. Fewer trips also allows cities to extend the life of waste management vehicles
and other assets.
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Improved cleanliness in public areas. Smart city waste management technology allows crews to
empty bins before they become overflowing with trash or recycling, and before infestation becomes
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an issue. Smart waste sensors can also alert crews when bins develop unpleasant smells which can
then be treated to eliminate odors.
Reduced congestion and carbon emissions. Trash and recycling collection vehicles typically make
many stops during a route, adding to congestion problems on city streets. By enabling crews to make
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fewer trips, smart waste management technologies help minimize congestion and reduce the
pollutants emitted by trash and recycling collection vehicles.
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More effective management. With detailed data about the status of bins throughout the city, public
works departments can more easily manage the many vendors who are typically employed to handle
different kinds of trash and recycling collection throughout the city