Iwms - Module 2 Updated Notes
Iwms - Module 2 Updated Notes
Accredited By NAAC
MODULE 2
MODULE 2
INTRODUCTION
Biological treatment of the organic waste fraction uses microorganisms, primarily bacteria, to
decompose organic matter into stable end products like carbon dioxide, water, and biogas,
offering advantages like waste volume reduction, stabilization, pathogen destruction, and
resource recovery.
3. Agricultural Waste:
Biological treatment can be used to manage agricultural waste, producing valuable resources like
compost and biogas.
4. Industrial Waste:
Certain industrial processes generate organic waste that can be treated biologically.
AEROBIC COMPOSTING
Aerobic composting is the most commonly used biological process for the conversion of the
organic portion of MSW to a stable humus-like material known as compost. Applications of
aerobic composting include (1) yard waste, (2) separated MSW, (3) commingled MSW, and (4)
co-composting with wastewater sludge.
Process Description
All aerobic composting processes are similar in that they all incorporate three basic steps: (1)
preprocessing of the MSW, (2) aerobic decomposition of the organic fraction of the MSW, and
(3) product preparation and marketing.
Three principal methods used for the composting of the organic fraction of MSW.
1. Windrow Composting,
2. Aerate static pile Composting
3. In-vessel Composting
A high-rate windrow composting system employs windrows with a smaller cross section,
typically 6 to 7 ft high by 14 to 16 ft wide. The actual dimensions of the windrows depend on
the type of equipment that will be used to turn the composting wastes. Before the windrows are
formed organic material is processed by shredding and screening it to approximately 1 to 3 in
and the moisture content is adjusted to 50 to 60 percent. High-rate systems are turned up to twice
per week while the temperature is maintained at or slightly above 131°F (55°C). Turning of the
MR. VIGNESH, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, SDIT 5
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SMART CITY – BCV654C
windrows is often accompanied by the release of offensive odors. Complete composting can be
accomplished in three to four weeks.
The compost is allowed to cure for an additional three to four weeks without turning. During the
curing period, residual decomposable organic materials are further reduced by fungi.
Aerated Static Pile Composting is an aerobic composting method in which organic waste is
formed into piles and air is supplied using blowers or fans, without turning the pile frequently.
❖ The aerated static pile system, as shown in Figure, consists of a grid of aeration or exhaust
piping over which the processed organic fraction of MSW is placed.
❖ Typical pile heights are about 7 to 8 ft (2 to 2.5 m). A layer of screened compost is often
placed on top of the newly formed pile for insulation and odor control.
❖ Each pile is usually provided with an individual blower for more effective aeration control.
Disposable corrugated plastic drainage pipe is used commonly for air supply.
❖ Air is introduced to provide the oxygen needed for biological conversion and to control the
temperature (550 -650 C) within the pile. Blower operation is typically controlled by a timer,
or in some systems by a microcomputer to match a specific temperature profile.
❖ The material is composted for a period of three to four weeks. The material is then cured for
a period of four weeks or longer.
❖ Shredding and screening of the cured compost usually is done to improve the quality of the
final product. For improved process and odor control, all or significant portions of the system
in newer facilities are covered or enclosed.
In-vessel composting systems can be divided into two major categories: plug flow and dynamic
(agitated bed). A plug flow system is a type of in-vessel composting where waste moves slowly
in one direction through a long-enclosed reactor, like plug without back-mixing. In a dynamic
system, the composting material is mixed mechanically during the processing. Examples of plug
flow reactors are shown in Figs.(a), (b) and examples of dynamic systems are illustrated in Figs.
(c), (d).
Mechanical systems are designed to minimize odors and process time by controlling
environmental conditions such as air flow, temperature, and oxygen concentration. The
popularity of in-vessel composting systems has increased in recent years. Reasons for this
increased use are process and odor control, faster throughput, lower labor costs, and smaller area
requirements. The detention time for in-vessel systems varies from 1 to 2 weeks, but virtually all
systems employ a 4- to 12-week curing period after the active composting period.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Waste Preparation
❖ Segregation of biodegradable waste
❖ Removal of plastics/metals
MR. VIGNESH, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, SDIT 8
INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR SMART CITY – BCV654C
Composting:
Composting is a natural process of recycling organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings,
and other biodegradable materials, into a valuable soil amendment. When applied to solid waste
management, composting reduces the volume of waste going to landfills, recovers nutrients, and
improves soil health.
Process: Uses earthworms, particularly red wigglers, to break down organic material. The worms
consume the waste, and their castings (excreta) produce a high-quality compost. Suitable for
small to medium-scale operations, including households, farms, and urban composting projects.
Advantages:
a) Temperature:
➢ Ideal range: 15°C to 25°C
➢ Extreme temperatures below 10°C or above 35°C can stress or kill the worms.
b) Moisture Content:
➢ Should be maintained at 60%–80%.
➢ The bedding should feel like a damp sponge—moist but not soggy.
c) Aeration:
➢ Oxygen is essential for worms and microbial activity.
➢ Avoid compacting the compost; turn it lightly or use a well-ventilated bin.
d) pH Level:
➢ Optimal pH: 6.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
➢ Avoid highly acidic (citrus, vinegar) or alkaline (excessive lime) materials.
e) Organic Waste Material:
➢ Preferred waste material include - Vegetable peels, fruit scraps, tea leaves, coffee
grounds, dry leaves, shredded paper, and farm waste.
➢ Avoid- Oily food, dairy, meat, spicy food, plastic, and synthetic materials.
f) Worm Species:
➢ Commonly used species: Red Wigglers and African Nightcrawlers.
➢ These worms consume organic matter rapidly and thrive in composting
conditions.
Red wigglers
g) Bedding Material:
➢ Provides a suitable habitat for worms.
➢ Ideal materials: Coconut coir, shredded newspaper, dry leaves, sawdust, and
partially decomposed compost.
h) Light Conditions:
➢ Earthworms are photophobic (avoid light).
➢ Keep the bin in a shady area or cover it to prevent direct sunlight exposure.
➢ Duration:2-3 months
Indore Method of Composting:
Overview: The Indore method is an aerobic composting technique developed by Sir Albert
Howard in the 1920s in Indore, India. This method is known for being one of the earliest
scientific approaches to composting and is widely used for its simplicity and effectiveness in
handling large volumes of organic waste.
Process:
1. Pile or Pit Construction: Organic waste is piled up on the ground or placed in shallow
pits. The heap is usually about 1.5 meters in height.
2. Layering: Organic materials such as green plant waste (rich in nitrogen), dry plant waste
(rich in carbon), animal manure, and kitchen waste are layered alternately. A typical ratio
is 3:1 for carbon rich materials (like dried leaves or straw) to nitrogen-rich materials (like
green vegetation or manure).
3. Moisture and Aeration: The pile is regularly watered to maintain optimal moisture
levels (around 50- 60%). The material needs to be moist but not waterlogged.
4. Turning: The pile is turned periodically, every 1-2 weeks, to aerate the compost and
accelerate the breakdown of organic material. This ensures aerobic decomposition, which
is faster and produces high-quality compost.
5. Composting Time: The process is usually completed within 2-3 months, depending on
the climate and materials used.
6. Final Compost: Once the process is complete, the compost is harvested and used to
enrich soil.
Advantages:
❖ Faster process: Because of the regular turning and aerobic conditions, the Indore method
produces compost more quickly than anaerobic methods like the Bangalore method.
❖ High-quality compost: The aerobic decomposition process produces nutrient-rich,
humus-like compost that improves soil health significantly.
❖ Suitable for a variety of organic waste: The Indore method can handle a wide range of
organic materials, including farm residues, household waste, and animal manure.
Disadvantages:
❖ Labor-intensive: Requires regular turning of the pile, which can be time-consuming and
labor-intensive.
❖ Space requirement: The method requires adequate space for the turning of the pile and
is more suitable for farms, large gardens, or community composting projects.
❖ Odor control: If not properly managed, the pile can develop odors, especially if there is
excess nitrogen (green waste) or inadequate aeration.
The Nagpur Method is a structured and efficient technique of vermicomposting, developed and
popularized in Nagpur, Maharashtra (India). It is designed to manage biodegradable solid waste
effectively, especially suitable for community-level or institutional composting in urban and
semi-urban areas.
4. Pre-digestion Period:
❖ Organic waste is allowed to partially decompose for 7–15 days before introducing
worms.
❖ Reduces temperature and acidity, making the environment worm friendly.
5. Moisture & Aeration Control:
❖ Moisture is maintained at around 60–70%.
❖ Occasional turning is done to maintain aeration and prevent anaerobic conditions.
6. Composting Time:
❖ Entire process takes 45 to 60 days.
❖ Produces high-quality vermicompost rich in nutrients.
Process Steps:
1. Waste Collection:
❖ Collect segregated biodegradable kitchen and garden waste.
2. Pre-Decomposition (1st Pit):
❖ Mix the waste with cow dung and leave it to decompose for 7–15 days.
3. Transfer to 2nd Pit:
❖ Move the pre-decomposed material to the second pit.
❖ Introduce earthworms.
4. Moisture Management:
❖ Water the heap regularly to maintain required moisture.
5. Harvesting:
❖ After 45–60 days, separate the worms and collect the vermicompost.
Advantages of the Nagpur Method:
❖ Suitable for urban solid waste management.
❖ Promotes decentralized composting.
❖ Low cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable.
❖ Produces nutrient-rich manure for plants and agriculture.
Design Considerations:
1. Particle Size. Most materials that comprise the organic fraction of MSW tend to be
irregular in shape. This irregularity can be reduced substantially by shredding the organic
materials before they are composted. Particle size influences the bulk density, internal
friction and flow characteristics, and drag forces of the materials. For Optimum results
the size of the solid wastes should be between 25 mm to 75 mm.
2. Carbon-to-Nitrogen Ratio: The most critical environmental factor for composting is the
carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N ratio). The optimum range for most organic waste is from
20 to 25 to 1. Sludges have low C/N ratios, whereas yard waste, such as leaves and
newspaper, have relatively high C/N ratios.
3. Blending and Seeding: Two design factors that may affect the blending of organic
fraction of municipal solids waste for composting are C/N ratio and moisture content.
Laboratory analyses are usually required to determine how the various organic materials
should be blended for aerobic composting. If the organic fraction of MSW contains
significant amounts of paper or other substrates rich in carbon, other organic materials
such as yard waste, manure, or sludge from wastewater treatment plants can be blended
to provide a near optimum C/N ratio.
Seeding involves the addition of a volume of microbial culture sufficiently large to effect
the decomposition of the receiving material at a faster rate.
4. Moisture Content: The optimum moisture content for aerobic composting is in the range
of 50 to 60 percent. Moisture can be adjusted by blending of components or by addition
of water. When the moisture content of compost falls below 40 percent, the rate of
composting will be slowed.
5. Mixing/Turning: Initial mixing of organic wastes is essential to increase or decrease the
moisture content to an optimum level. Mixing can be used to achieve a more uniform
distribution of nutrients and microorganisms. Turning of organic material during the
composting process is a very important operational factor in maintaining aerobic activity.
6. Temperature: In Aerobic Composting the temperature should be maintained between
50 to 550 C for the first few days and between 55 and 600C for the remainder of the active
composting period. If the temperature goes beyond 660 C, biological activity is reduced
significantly.
7. Control of Pathogens: The destruction of pathogenic organisms is an important design
element in the compost process, as it will affect the temperature profile and aeration
process. If properly conducted, it is possible to kill all the pathogens weeds, and seeds
during the composting process. To do this the temperature should be maintained between
60 and 700C.
8. pH Control: To achieve an optimum aerobic decomposition, pH should remain at 7 to
7.5 range. To minimize the loss of nitrogen in the form of ammonia gas, pH should not
rise above about 8.5.
Low-solids anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which organic wastes are fermented
(broken down by microorganisms) at solids concentrations equal to or less than 4 to 8 percent.
The low-solids anaerobic fermentation process is used in many parts of the world to generate
methane gas from human, animal, and agricultural wastes, and from the organic fraction of
MSW. One of the disadvantages of the low-solids anaerobic digestion process as applied to solid
wastes is that considerable water must be added to wastes to bring the solids content to the
required range of 4 to 8 percent.
The addition of water results in a very dilute digested sludge, which must be dewatered prior to
disposal. The disposal of the liquid stream resulting from the dewatering step is an important
consideration in the selection of the low-solids digestion process.
Process Description
There are five basic steps involved whenever the low-solids anaerobic digestion process is used
to produce methane from the organic fraction of MSW. As shown in Fig. below, the first step
involves the preparation of the organic fraction of the MSW. Typically, for commingled solid
waste the first step involves receiving; sorting and separation; and size reduction.
1. Size reduction: Waste first enters a shredder. Large materials are reduced in size. For
Easier mixing and digestion purpose.
2. Magnetic Separator
❖ Removes ferrous (iron) materials
❖ Metals are separated for recycling
3. Air Classifier: Separates waste into:
❖ Heavy fraction (stones, glass etc.)
❖ Light fraction (organic waste)
❖ Heavy fraction is removed
❖ Light organic fraction goes for digestion.
Step-2: Slurry Preparation
6. Gas Separator:
❖ Gas from digester goes to gas separator
❖ Gas is separated into:
❖ CH₄ (Methane) – used for energy
❖ CO₂
❖ Methane can go to other energy conversion units.
Design Considerations:
Destruction of volatile Depends on the nature of the waste characteristics. Varies from
solid wastes about 60 to 80 percent; 70 percent can be used for estimating
purposes.
Total solids destroyed Varies from 40 to 60 percent, depending on amount of inert
material present originally.
Gas production 0.5 to 0.75 m3/kg of volatile solids destroyed
(CH4 = 55 percent; CO2 = 45 percent).
High-solids anaerobic digestion is a biological process in which the fermentation occur at a total
solids content of about 22 percent or higher. The high-solids anaerobic digestion is a relatively
new technology and its application for energy recovery from the organic fraction of MSW has
not been developed fully. Two important advantages of the high-solids anaerobic digestion
process are lower water requirements and higher gas production per unit volume of the reactor
size.
Process Description
The three steps described for the low-solids anaerobic digestion are also applied in high-solids
anaerobic digestion process. The principal difference is at the end of the process, where less
effort is required to dewater and dispose of the digested sludge.
Item Description
Size of material Wastes to be digested should be shredded to a size that will not
interfere with the efficient functioning of feeding and discharging.
mechanisms.
Mixing equipment The mixing equipment will depend on the type of reactor to be
used.
Percentage of solid Depends on the characteristics of the sludge.
wastes mixed with
sludge
Mass retention time Use 20 to 30 d for design, or base design on results of pilot plant
studies.
Loading rate based on 0.375 to 0.4 Ib/ft3 • d (6 to 7 kg/m3 • d). Not well defined at present
biodegradable volatile time. Significantly higher rates have been reported.
solids, BVS
Solids concentration Between 20 and 35% (22 to 28% typical).
Temperature Between 85 and 100°F (30 and 38°C) for mesophilic and between
131 and 140°F (55 and 60°C) for thermophilic reactor.
Destruction of BVS Varies from about 90 to 98+ percent depending on the mass
retention time and the BVS loading rate.
Total solids destroyed Varies depending on the lignin content of the feedstocks.
Gas production 10 to 16 ft*/b of biodegradable volatile solids destroyed (0.625 to
1.0 m3/ kg).
(CH4 = 50 percent; CO2 = 50 percent).
Process:
1. Pit Construction: Organic waste is placed in a pit or a trench. The pit can be of varying
sizes depending on the scale of composting, usually about 1 to 1.5 meters deep.
2. Layering: The compostable materials, like crop residues, animal manure, kitchen waste,
and garden trimmings, are layered in the pit.
3. Anaerobic Decomposition: The waste is then covered with a layer of soil or a thin layer
of cow dung and allowed to decompose without being aerated. The pit is covered
completely with soil to avoid exposure to air.
4. Minimal Maintenance: Unlike aerobic composting methods, the Bangalore method
does not require frequent turning. The decomposition process occurs over a period of 5
to 6 months in an anaerobic environment.
Advantages:
1. Minimal labor: No need for turning or constant aeration, making it easier for rural and
low-resource settings.
2. Low Odor: Since the composting happens below the surface in anaerobic conditions,
there is less chance for odor issues.
3. Effective for humid climates: The Bangalore method works well in places with high
moisture content, such as tropical and subtropical areas.
Disadvantages:
1. Slower process: Composting takes longer compared to aerobic methods like the Indore
method.
2. Limited aeration: The anaerobic process can lead to a less nutrient-dense compost than
aerobic methods, and there is a risk of producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
3. Not suitable for all organic waste: This method works best with a combination of
animal manure and plant-based organic waste.
SMART CITY:
A Smart City is an urban area that uses technology and data to improve the quality of life for its
citizens, enhance efficiency in city operations, and promote sustainable development.
The core infrastructure elements in a Smart City would include:
a) adequate water supply,
b) assured electricity supply,
c) sanitation, including solid waste management
created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians
and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling
distance.
d) Preserving and developing open spaces: parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in
order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in Areas and
generally promote eco-balance.
e) Promoting a variety of transport options: Transit Oriented Development (TOD),
public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity.
f) Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective: increasingly rely on online
services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles to
reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal offices;
form e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online monitoring of
programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites;
g) Giving an identity to the city: based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine,
health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy,
etc;
h) Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in
order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, using
fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.
STRATEGY:
The strategic components of Area-based development in the Smart Cities Mission are city
improvement (retrofitting), city renewal (redevelopment) and city extension (greenfield
development) plus a Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied covering larger
parts of the city. Below are given descriptions of the three models of Area-based Smart City
Development:
a) Retrofitting will introduce planning in an existing built-up area to achieve Smart City
objectives, along with other objectives, to make the existing area more efficient and
liveable. In retrofitting, an area consisting of more than 500 acres will be identified by
the city in consultation with citizens. Depending on the existing level of infrastructure
services in the identified area and the vision of the residents, the cities will prepare a
strategy to become smart. Since existing structures are largely to remain intact in this
model, it is expected that more intensive infrastructure service levels and a large number
of smart applications will be packed into the retrofitted Smart City. This strategy may
also be completed in a shorter time frame, leading to its replication in another part of the
city.
b) Redevelopment will affect a replacement of the existing built-up environment and
enable co-creation of a new layout with enhanced infrastructure using mixed land use
and increased density. Redevelopment envisages an area of more than 50 acres, identified
by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in consultation with citizens. For instance, a new layout
plan of the identified area will be prepared with mixed land-use, higher FSI and high
ground coverage. Two examples of the redevelopment model are the Saifee Burhani
Upliftment Project in Mumbai (also called the Bhendi Bazaar Project) and the
redevelopment of East Kidwai Nagar in New Delhi being undertaken by the National
Building Construction Corporation.
c) Greenfield development will introduce most of the Smart Solutions in a previously
vacant area (more than 250 acres) using innovative planning, plan financing and plan
implementation tools (e.g. land pooling/ land reconstitution) with provision for
affordable housing, especially for the poor. Greenfield developments are required around
cities in order to address the needs of the expanding population. One well known example
is the GIFT City in Gujarat. Unlike retrofitting and redevelopment, greenfield
developments could be located either within the limits of the ULB or within the limits of
the local Urban Development Authority.
d) Pan-city development envisages application of selected Smart Solutions to the existing
city-wide infrastructure. Application of Smart Solutions will involve the use of
technology, information and data to make infrastructure and services better. For example,
applying Smart Solutions in the transport sector (intelligent traffic management system)
and reducing average commute time or cost to citizens will have positive effects on
productivity and quality of life of citizens. Another example can be wastewater recycling
and smart metering which can make a substantial contribution to better water
management in the city.
Smart City and SDG Connection:
1. SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
➢ Smart City Contribution:
➢ Smart transport systems
➢ Smart waste management
The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency as directed by the local
body.
7. All gated communities and institutions with more than 5,000 sqm area shall, within one year
from the date of notification of these rules and in partnership with the local body, ensure
segregation of waste at source by the generators as prescribed in these rules, facilitate
collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable material to either the
authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers. The bio-degradable waste shall be
processed, treated and disposed-off through composting or bio-methanation within the
premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors or agency
as directed by the local body.
8. All hotels and restaurants shall, within one year from the date of notification of these rules
and in partnership with the local body ensure segregation of waste at source as prescribed in
these rules, facilitate collection of segregated waste in separate streams, handover recyclable
material to either the authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers. The bio-degradable
waste shall be processed, treated and disposed-off through composting or bio-methanation
within the premises as far as possible. The residual waste shall be given to the waste collectors
or agency as directed by the local body.
Duties and responsibilities of local authorities and village Panchayats of census towns and
urban agglomerations:
The local authorities and Panchayats shall -
a) prepare a solid waste management plan as per state policy and strategy on solid waste
management within six months from the date of notification of state policy and strategy
and submit a copy to respective departments of State Government or Union territory
Administration or agency authorized by the State Government or Union territory
Administration.
b) arrange for door-to-door collection of segregated solid waste from all households
including slums and informal settlements, commercial, institutional and other non-
residential premises. From multi-storage buildings, large commercial complexes, malls,
housing complexes, etc., this may be collected from the entry gate or any other designated
location.
c) establish a system to recognize organizations of waste pickers or informal waste
collectors and promote and establish a system for integration of these authorized waste-
pickers and waste collectors to facilitate their participation in solid waste management
including door to door collection of waste.
d) facilitate formation of Self-Help Groups, provide identity cards and thereafter encourage
integration in solid waste management including door to door collection of waste.
e) frame byelaws incorporating the provisions of these rules within one year from the date
of notification of these rules and ensures timely implementation.
f) prescribe from time-to-time user fee as deemed appropriate and collect the fee from the
waste generators on its own or through authorized agency.
g) direct waste generators not to litter i.e. throw or dispose of any waste such as paper, water
bottles, liquor bottles, soft drink canes, tetra packs, fruit peel, wrappers, etc., or burn or
burry waste on streets, open public spaces, drains, waste bodies and to segregate the waste
at source as prescribed under these rules and hand over the segregated waste to authorized
the waste pickers or waste collectors authorized by the local body;
h) setup material recovery facilities or secondary storage facilities with sufficient space for
sorting of recyclable materials to enable informal or authorized waste pickers and waste
collectors to separate recyclables from the waste and provide easy access to waste pickers
and recyclers for collection of segregated recyclable waste such as paper, plastic, metal,
glass, textile from the source of generation or from material recovery facilities; Bins for
storage of bio-degradable wastes shall be painted green, those for storage of recyclable
wastes shall be printed white and those for storage of other wastes shall be printed black;
i) establish waste deposition centres for domestic hazardous waste and give direction for
waste generators to deposit domestic hazardous wastes at this centre for its safe disposal.
Such facility shall be established in a city or town in a manner that one centre is set up
for the area of twenty square kilometers or part thereof and notify the timings of receiving
domestic hazardous waste at such centres.
j) ensure safe storage and transportation of the domestic hazardous waste to the hazardous
waste disposal facility or as may be directed by the State Pollution Control Board or the
Pollution Control Committee.
k) direct street sweepers not to burn tree leaves collected from street sweeping and store
them separately and handover to the waste collectors or agency authorized by local body.
l) provide training on solid waste management to waste-pickers and waste collectors.
m) collect waste from vegetable, fruit, flower, meat, poultry and fish market on day-to-day
basis and promote setting up of decentralized compost plant or bio-methanation plant at
2. The sanitary landfill site shall be planned, designed and developed with proper
documentation of construction plan as well as a closure plan in a phased manner. In case
a new landfill facility is being established adjoining an existing landfill site, the closure
plan of existing landfill should form a part of the proposal of such new landfill.
3. The landfill sites shall be selected to make use of nearby wastes processing facilities.
Otherwise, wastes processing facility shall be planned as an integral part of the landfill
site.
4. Landfill sites shall be set up as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Urban Development,
Government of India and Central Pollution Control Board.
5. The existing landfill sites which are in use for more than five years shall be improved in
accordance with the specifications given in this Schedule.
6. The landfill site shall be large enough to last for at least 20-25 years and shall develop
‘landfill cells’ in a phased manner to avoid water logging and misuse.
7. The landfill site shall be 100 meter away from river, 200 meter from a pond, 200 meter
from Highways, Habitations, Public Parks and water supply wells and 20 km away from
Airports or Airbase. However in a special case, landfill site may be set up within a
distance of 10 and 20 km away from the Airport/Airbase after obtaining no objection
certificate from the civil aviation authority/ Air force as the case may be. The Landfill
site shall not be permitted within the flood plains as recorded for the last 100 years, zone
of coastal regulation, wetland, Critical habitat areas, sensitive eco-fragile areas.
8. The sites for landfill and processing and disposal of solid waste shall be incorporated in
the Town Planning Department’s land-use plans.
9. A buffer zone of no development shall be maintained around solid waste processing and
disposal facility, exceeding five Tonnes per day of installed capacity. This will be
maintained within the total area of the solid waste processing and disposal facility. The
buffer zone shall be prescribed on case-to-case basis by the local body in consultation
with concerned State Pollution Control Board.
10. The biomedical waste shall be disposed of in accordance with the Bio-medical Waste
Management Rules, 2016, as amended from time to time. The hazardous waste shall be
managed in accordance with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and
Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, as amended from time to time. The E-waste
shall be managed in accordance with the e-Waste (Management) Rules, 2016 as amended
from time to time.
11. Temporary storage facility for solid waste shall be established in each landfill site to
accommodate the waste in case of non- operation of waste processing and during
emergency or natural calamities.
Criteria for development of facilities at the sanitary landfills:
1. Landfill site shall be fenced or hedged and provided with proper gate to monitor incoming
vehicles, to prevent entry of unauthorized persons and stray animals.
2. The approach and / internal roads shall be concreted or paved so as to avoid generation
of dust particles due to vehicular movement and shall be designed to ensure free
movement of vehicles and other machinery.
3. The landfill site shall have waste inspection facility to monitor waste brought in for
landfilling, office facility for record keeping and shelter for keeping equipment and
machinery including pollution monitoring equipment. The operator of the facility shall
maintain record of waste received, processed and disposed.
4. Provisions like weigh bridge to measure quantity of waste brought at landfill site, fire
protection equipment and other facilities as may be required shall be provided.
5. Utilities such as drinking water and sanitary facilities (preferably washing/bathing
facilities for workers) and lighting arrangements for easy landfill operations during night
hours shall be provided.
6. Safety provisions including health inspections of workers at landfill sites shall be carried
out made.
7. Provisions for parking, cleaning, and washing of transport vehicles carrying solid waste
shall be provided. The wastewater generated shall be treated to meet the prescribed
standards.
Criteria for specifications for land filling operations and closure on completion of land
filling:
1. Waste for land filling shall be compacted in thin layers using heavy compactors to
achieve high density of the waste. In high rainfall areas where heavy compactors cannot
be used, alternative measures shall be adopted.
2. Till the time waste processing facilities for composting or recycling or energy recovery
are set up, the waste shall be sent to the sanitary landfill. The landfill cell shall be covered
at the end of each working day with minimum 10 cm of soil, inert debris or construction
material.
Standards for composting: The waste processing facilities shall include composting as one of
the technologies for processing biodegradable waste. In order to prevent pollution from compost
plant, the following shall be complied with namely:
a) The incoming organic waste at site shall be stored properly prior to further processing.
To the extent possible, the waste storage area should be covered. If such storage is done
in an open area, it shall be provided with impermeable base with facility for collection of
leachate and surface water run-off into lined drains leading to a leachate treatment and
disposal facility.
b) Necessary precautions shall be taken to minimize nuisance of odour, flies, rodents, bird
menace and fire hazard.
c) In case of breakdown or maintenance of plant, waste intake shall be stopped, and
arrangements be worked out for diversion of waste to the temporary processing site or
temporary landfill sites which will be again reprocessed when plant is in order.
d) Pre-process and post-process rejects shall be removed from the processing facility on
regular basis and shall not be allowed to pile at the site. Recyclables shall be routed
through appropriate vendors. The non-recyclable high calorific fractions to be segregated
and sent to waste to energy or for RDF production, co-processing in cement plants or to
thermal power plants. Only rejects from all processes shall be sent for sanitary landfill
site(s).
e) The windrow area shall be provided with impermeable base. Such a base shall be made
of concrete or compacted clay of 50 cm thick having permeability coefficient less than
10–7 cm/sec. The base shall be provided with 1 to 2 per cent slope and circled by lined
drains for collection of leachate or surface run-off.
f) Ambient air quality monitoring shall be regularly carried out. Odur nuisance at down-
wind direction on the boundary of processing plant shall also be checked regularly.
g) Leachate shall be re-circulated in compost plant for moisture maintenance.
h) The end-product compost shall meet the standards prescribed under Fertilizer Control
Order notified from time to time.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM):
The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), launched by the Government of India on October 2, 2014,
is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive cleanliness drives in the country’s history
Background and Rationale
1. Historical Context:
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of a clean India and his emphasis on sanitation as a social
responsibility, SBM was inaugurated on his birth anniversary. The mission was driven by the
need to improve public health, boost tourism, and foster national pride.
2. Sanitation Challenges:
Before SBM, India faced significant challenges with open defecation, inadequate waste
management, and poor sanitation facilities - factors that contributed to public health issues and
environmental degradation.
Objectives
1. Elimination of Open Defecation:
A primary goal is to make India open defecation free (ODF) by ensuring that every household,
school, and public institution has access to safe and hygienic toilets.
2. Improved Waste Management:
The mission emphasizes modern waste management practices, including segregation, collection,
recycling, and proper disposal of municipal solid waste. This also involves the development of
infrastructure like waste treatment plants.
3. Behavioral Change:
Beyond building infrastructure, SBM aims to change public attitudes towards sanitation.
Through extensive awareness campaigns, education in schools, community programs, and
celebrity endorsements, it seeks to create a lasting culture of cleanliness and proper hygiene.
4. Sustainable Sanitation Practices:
SBM promotes the use of environmentally friendly and sustainable sanitation practices. This
includes the development of toilets that not only provide basic sanitation but also contribute to
resource recovery, such as converting waste into energy or compost.
4. Environmental Impact:
The improved management of waste has led to reduced pollution in urban and rural areas,
contributing to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Challenges and Criticisms
1. Sustainability of Behaviour Change:
While infrastructure development has been robust, ensuring that behavioural changes stick in the
long term remains a challenge. Continuous community engagement is necessary to maintain the
gains.
2. Maintenance of Facilities:
The construction of toilets and waste management systems is only part of the solution. Regular
maintenance and ensuring proper usage are essential to avoid reversion to old practices.
3. Urban Challenges:
Urban areas often face issues like rapid population growth, complex waste streams, and logistical
challenges in waste collection and segregation, which require ongoing innovation and policy
intervention.
4. Financial and Logistical Constraints:
Implementing such a vast program across diverse regions of India poses significant financial and
administrative challenges. Ensuring efficient fund utilization and monitoring progress at a local
level is an ongoing concern.
Swachh Bharat Mission and SDGs
CO-2: Students will be able to understand different biological treatment methods and
comprehend the MSW Rules 2016 and Swachh Bharat Mission