Module 2

Integrated Waste Management for a Smart City

Biological treatment of the Organic Waste

Biological treatment of the organic waste fraction, like composting and anaerobic digestion,
can be followed by direct land application, using the resulting compost or digestate as a soil
amendment or fertilizer.
Biological Treatment
Composting: This is an aerobic process where microorganisms break down organic matter
(like food scraps, yard waste) into a stable, soil-enhancing material called compost.
Anaerobic Digestion (AD): This process, occurring in the absence of oxygen, uses
microorganisms to break down organic waste, producing biogas (primarily methane) and a
solid residue (digestate).
Direct Land Application
Compost as Soil Amendment: Compost can be applied directly to soil, improving its
structure, water-holding capacity, and fertility.
Digestate as Fertilizer: Digestate, after potential post-treatment for stabilization, can be
used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, replacing or supplementing synthetic fertilizers.
Benefits
Waste Reduction: Biological treatment significantly reduces the volume of organic waste
that needs to be landfilled.
Resource Recovery: Biogas from AD can be used for energy production, while compost and
digestate provide valuable soil amendments and fertilizers.
Sustainable Agriculture: Land application of compost and digestate supports sustainable
agricultural practices by reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and improving soil health.
Considerations
Pathogen Reduction: Proper composting and AD processes are crucial to ensure that
pathogens are reduced to safe levels before land application.
Nutrient Management: It's important to manage the application rates of compost and
digestate to avoid nutrient imbalances in the soil.
Environmental Impact: Land application can have environmental impacts, such as potential
for nutrient runoff and Odor emissions, which need to be carefully managed.

COMPOSITING

Compositing is a process in which organic materials undergo biological degradation to a

stable nuisance free humus like end materials.

The general objectives of compositing are:

i. To transform the biodegradable organic materials into a biologically stable

material and in the process reduce the original volume of waste.
ii. To destroy pathogens, insect eggs and other unwanted organisms and weed seeds
that may be present in MSW.
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iii. To retain the maximum nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content and
iv. To produce a product that can be used to support plant growth and as a soil
amendment.

In general, the chemical and physical characteristics of compost vary according to the nature
of the starting material, the condition under which the compositing operation was carried and
the extent of the decomposition. Some of the properties of compost that distinguish it from
other organic materials are;

i. A brown to very dark brown colour

ii. A low carbon nitrogen ratio
iii. A continually changing nature due to the activities of micro-organisms
iv. A high capacity for cation exchange and water absorption

When added to soil compost has been found to lighten heavy soils, to improve the texture of
light sandy soils and to increase the water retention capacity of most soils.

Aerobic Compositing

Aerobic compositing is the most commonly used biological process for the conversion of the
organic portion of MSW to stable humus like material known as compost. All aerobic
composting processes are similar, in that they all incorporate three basic steps:

i. Pre-processing of the MSW

ii. Aerobic decomposition of the organic fraction of the MSW
iii. Product preparation and marketing

Windrow, aerated static pile and in vessel are the three principal methods used for
composting of the organic fraction of MSW, while these processes differ primarily in the
method used to aerate the organic fraction of solid waste, the biological principles remain the
same and when designed and operated properly, all produce a similar quality compost in
approximately the same time period.

“Aerobic compositing is defined as a process in which under suitable environmental

conditions, facultative aerobic organisms principally thermophilic, utilize considerable
amounts of oxygen in decomposing organic matter to fairly stable humus”.

With the exception of plastic, rubber and leather components, the organic fraction of most
MSW can be considered to be composed of proteins, amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates,
cellulose, lignin, and ash. If these organic materials are subjected to aerobic micro-bacterial
decomposition, the end product remaining after microbiological activity has essentially
ceased is a humus material commonly known as compost.

In equation form the aerobic composting process can be described as follows:

Bacteria
Organic matter + O2 + Nutrients → New cells + Dead cells + Resistant organic matter + CO2
+H2O + NH3 + SO42- + ….. + Heat.

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As shown in equation, the new cells that are produced become part of the active biomass
involved in the conversion of the organic matter and on death ultimately become part of the
compost.

Aerobic Compositing Micro Biology

During the aerobic compositing process a succession of facultative and obligate aerobic
micro-organisms is active. In the beginning phases of compositing process, mesophilic
bacteria are the most prevalent. After the temperatures in the compost rise, thermophilic
bacteria predominate, leading to thermophilic fungi, which appear after 5 to 10 days. In the
final stages or curing period as it is sometimes known, actinomycetes and molds appear.
Because significant concentrations of these micro-organisms may not be present in some
types of biodegradable waste (e.g.: newspaper), it may be necessary to add them to the
compositing material as an additive or inoculums.

The microbiology of all aerobic compositing process is similar. Critical parameters in the
control of aerobic compositing processes include moisture content, C/N ratio, and
temperature. For most biodegradable organic wastes, once the moisture content is brought to
a suitable level (50 to 60%) and the mass aerated, microbial metabolism speeds up. The
aerobic microorganisms, which utilize oxygen, feed upon the organic matter and develop cell
tissue from nitrogen, phosphorus, some of the carbon and other required nutrients. Much of
the carbon serves as a source of energy for the organisms and is burned up and respired as
CO2. Because organic carbon can serve both as a source of energy and cell carbon, more
carbon is required than, for example nitrogen.

Design Considerations for the Aerobic Compositing Process

Items Remarks

For optimum results, the size of solid wastes should be

Particle size
between 25 and 75mm

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Initial carbon and nitrogen ratios (by mass) between 25 and
Carbon and nitrogen ratio (C/N 50 are optimum for aerobic composting. At lower ratios,
ratio) ammonia is given off. At higher ratios nitrogen may be
limiting nutrients.
Compositing time can be reduced by seeding with partially
decomposed solid wastes to the extent of about 1 to 5% by
Blending and seeding
weight. Sewage sludge can also be added to prepared solid
waste.
Moisture content should be in the range between 50 to 60%
Moisture content (MC) during the compositing process. The optimum value appears
to be about 55%
To prevent drying, caking and air channeling, materials in the
process of being composted should be mixed or turned on a
Mixing and turning
regular schedule or as required. Frequency of mixing or
turning will depend on the type of compositing operation.
For best results, temperature should be maintained between
50-550C for the first few days and between 55-600C for the
Temperature remainder of the active compositing period. If temperature
goes beyond 660C, biological activity is reduced
significantly.
If properly conducted, it is possible to kill all the pathogens,
weeds and seeds during the compositing process. To do this,
Control of pathogens
the temperature must be maintained between 60 and 700C 24
hours
The theoretical quantity of oxygen required can be estimated
and air with at least 50% of the initial oxygen concentration
Air requirements
remaining should reach all parts of the composting material
for optimum results, especially in mechanical systems.
To achieve an optimum aerobic decomposition, pH should
PH control remain at 7 to 7.5 range. To minimize the loss of nitrogen in
the form of ammonia gas, pH should not rise above 8.5
The degree of decomposition can be estimated by measuring
Degree of decomposition
the final drop in temperature, degree of self-heating capacity,

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amount of decomposable and resistant organic matter in the
composted material, rise in the redox potential, oxygen
uptake, growth of fungus chaetomium gracilias and starch –
iodine test.
The land requirements for a plant with a capacity of 50 tonne
Land requirement / day will be 1.5 to 2.0 acres. The land area required for a
larger plant will be less on a ton/d basis.

Anaerobic Compositing

Anaerobic compositing is the putrefactive breakdown of the organic matter by reduction in

the absence of oxygen, leading to the production of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Organic matter +H2O + Nutrients → New cells + Resistant organic matter + CO2 +CH4 +
NH3 + H2S + Heat.

The microbiological conversion of the organic fraction of MSW under anaerobic conditions
is thought to occur in three steps.

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The first step in the process involves the enzymes mediated transformation (hydrolysis) of
higher molecular mass compounds into compounds suitable for use as a source of energy and
cell tissue.

The second step involves the bacterial conversion of the compounds resulting from the first
step into identifiable lower-molecular mass intermediate compounds.

The third step involves the bacterial conversion of the intermediate compounds into simpler
end products, principally methane and carbon dioxide.

Process Microbiology

In the anaerobic decomposition of wastes, a number of anaerobic organisms work together to

bring about the conversion of organic portion of the wastes to a stable end product. One
group of organisms is responsible for hydrolyzing organic polymers and lipids to basic
structural building blocks such as fatty acids, monosaccharides, amino acids and related
compounds. A second group of anaerobic bacteria ferments the break down products from the
first group to simple organic acids, the most common of which in anaerobic compositing is
acetic acid. This second group of micro-organisms (called as nonmethanogenic) consists of
facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria that bare often identified as “acidogens” or “acid
formers.”

A third group of micro-organisms converts the hydrogen and acetic acid formed by the acid
formers to methane gas and CO2. The bacteria responsible for this conversion are strict
anaerobes called methanogenic, and are called as methanogens or methane formers.

Typical energy yielding conversion reactions involving these compounds are as given below

4H2 + CO2 CH4 + 2H2O

4HCOOH CH4 + 3CO2 + 2H2O

CH3COOH CH4 + CO2

4CH3OH 3CH4 + CO2 + 2H2O

4(CH3)3N + 6H2O 9CH4 + 3CO2 + 4NH3

4CO + 2H2O CH4 + 3CO2

In anaerobic fermentation, the formation of methane takes place by

i. The conversion of CO2 and hydrogen to methane and water

ii. The conversion of formate and acetate to methane, carbon dioxide and water

The methanogens and acidogens form a syntrophic (mutually beneficial) relationship in

which the methanogens convert fermentation end products, such as hydrogen, formate and
acetate to methane and CO2. The Methanogens are able to utilize the hydrogen produced by
acidogens because of their efficient hydrogenase. The utilization of hydrogen produced by

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the acidogens because of their efficient hydrogenase. In effect, the methanogenic bacteria
remove compounds that would inhibit the growth of acidogens.

Design Consideration for the anaerobic Compositing – (Digestion)

Items Remarks
Wastes to be digested should be shredded to a size that
Size of material will not interfere with the efficient working or
functioning of pumping and mixing operations
To achieve optimum results and to avoid scum build up,
Mixing equipment’s
mechanical mixing is recommended
Although amounts of wastes varying from 50 to 90%
Percentage of solid wastes
have been used, 60% appears to be a reasonable
mixed with sludge
compromise
Hydraulic and mean cell Washout time is in the range of 3 to 4 days. Use 10 to 20
residence time d for design
0.6 – 1.6 kg/m3 d not well defined at present time.
Loading rate
Significantly higher rates have been reported
Solids concentrations Equal to or less than 8-10% (4 to 8% typical)
Between 30-380C for mesophilic and between
Temperature
55-600C for thermophilic reactor
Depends on the nature of waste characteristics. varies
Destruction of volatile solid
from about 60 to 80%; 70% can be used for estimating
wastes
purposes.
Varies from 40 to 60% depending on amount of inert
Total solids destroyed
material present originally
0.5 to 0.75 m3/kg of volatile solids destroyed
Gas production
(CH4 = 55%, CO2 = 45%)

Bangalore Process of Compositing

Bangalore process is a common method used for biological conversion of organic

components of municipal solid wastes. In this method, the compositing materials are not
turned and are allowed to remain in the pits for about 4 months or longer.

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1. A loose layer of MSW is to be placed and spread at the bottom of the pit with the help
of long handle rakes.
2. A shallow pit or trench is developed in the waste layer and night soil about 5cm thick
is spread in this trench. Normally night soil flows readily by itself but a long handled
broad blade hoc can be used to spread it if necessary.
3. Succeeding layers of waste and night soil are added in a similar manner until the pit
stack is about 30cm above ground or pit curb.
4. Each layer of night soil should be immediately covered with waste and the top most
layer of waste should be at least 20cm thick.
5. The compositing mass develops a temperature of around 600C in a few days and
remain at the temperature for a considerable number of days.
6. After the material has been decomposed for several days, the volume decreases and
the piles settle to ½ to 2/3 of the original depth. New layers of night soil and waste
can thus be added to the pit until the level is again above the pit curb. In raining
weather, the top of the pile should be rounded to turn the water and prevent seepage
into the pit.
7. The pile may be covered with 5cm layer of earth to help prevent the escape of
ammonia when the initial C/N ratio of material is too low, as well as to reduce the
escape of odours.
8. The top 10-15cm of material in the pit do not decompose properly owing to the lower
temperature at the exposed surface. This material can be forked off the pit at the time
the compost is removed and reused for covering another pit.
9. Fly control may also be improved by covering the compost pit tightly with a tarred
cloth, sealed to the curb of the pit by a mud plaster.
10. After about 4-6 months, the material has developed into humus. It is removed and put
directly on the soil or screened. The large compostable particles may be pulverized or
returned to a compost pit for further decomposition until they will crumble into
smaller pieces.

Indore Process of Compositing

This process of compositing is similar to that of Bangalore process except that the
compositing mass is turned. It is done to maintain aerobic conditions and to keep away

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obnoxious odours. It also keeps in maintaining high temperature, more rapid and uniform
decomposition and more effective fly control.

The method is as follows:

1. The steps in putting the initial materials in the pit are more or less same as in the
Bangalore process except that a small space about 60cm is left vacant at the end of the
pit. The vacant space is used to facilitate turning of the compost materials. The
thickness of bottom and intermediate layers is kept slightly less to obtain slightly
higher M.C.
2. Since the material is turned, exposure of all the material to high temperature is
assumed and higher M.C does not present a problem in maintaining aerobic
conditions. This actually permits the addition of higher proportion of night soil to the
refuse. The presence of odour is an indication of improper operation and should be
used in the control of the process indication of odours in that either material is not
being properly turned or the pits were not properly charged and the pockets of night
soil were allowed to form.
3. After 4 to 7 days of loading, the pit contents must be turned. Turning performs 3
functions.
i. It completes the mixing of refuse and night soil
ii. The materials at top and sides which are not subjected to high temperature are
also subjected to high temperature
iii. The materials are aerated which is an essential feature of aerobic stabilization.

The fly larvae, pathogens, and parasites are destroyed by high temperature.

4. Since the volume of the material shrinks during composting, additional layers of night
soil may be added at the time of first turning of the materials.
5. Second turn is made in 5-10days after the first turn by which time all the traces of
night soil disappear. Further turns are usually not necessary except when night soil

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was added at the time of first turn. It is seen that three turns spaced at 3 to 4 days
apart, usually produce compost in about 15-20 days.
6. If larger amounts of wastes are received than the pit capacity, the process can be
expedited by more frequent turns. This was seasonal fluctuations in the quantity of
refuse can be accommodated.

Factors Affecting Compositing

The most important factors affecting the compositing operations are given below

i. Segregation of refuse
ii. Grinding and shredding of refuse
iii. C/N ratio
iv. Proportion or blending of wastes
v. Moisture content (M.C)
vi. Placement of materials for composting
vii. Temperature
viii. Aeration
ix. Organisms in composting
x. Use of inoculums
xi. Reaction (pH control)
xii. Climatic conditions
xiii. Destruction of pathogenic organisms
xiv. Fly control

i. Segregation of Refuse: Segregation is an important factor as they would create

difficulties in subsequent processes of compositing like shredding and grinding.
Glass bottles, tin cans, plastic materials can be easily segregated.
ii. Grinding and Shredding of Refuse: Grinding and shredding of refuse makes the
materials more susceptible to bacterial invasion as more surface area is exposed to
bacterial attack.
iii. C/N Ratio (Carbon/ Nitrogen Ratio): Decomposition of organic matter is
affected by the presence of carbon and nitrogen. The C: N ratio represents the
initial proportion of the two elements. The decomposition of organic matter is
brought about by living organisms which use carbon as a source of energy and
nitrogen for building cell structure. Since living organisms use about 30 parts of
‘C’ for each part of ‘N’, an initial C: N ratio of 30 seems most favourable for rapid
composting. The compositing time can be decreased by decreasing C: N ratio
below 30. This ratio largely depends upon the composition of the MSW being
composted.
iv. Proportion or blending of wastes: C: N ratio and moisture content are the two
main factors which are to be considered in blending. There is no need for blending
when C/N ratio lies in between 30 to 40. Materials should be too dry for good
compositing and materials too wet to compost without nuisance should be blended

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in proper proportions. Sometimes even earth is added to the organic materials with
the ides of increasing the number of micro-organisms so as to expedite
composting. Ash and cinders contain phosphorus and potash, desirable for soil but
they should not to be put in large amount in compost pits. This is because they
increase pH and help in loss of nitrogen during composting, sewage sludge can
also be added to MSW for composting.
v. Moisture Content (M.C): Aerobic composting can proceed at any moisture
content between 30-100% provided adequate aeration is maintained. But however
at high M.C must be avoided because water displaces air from the interstices and
availability of oxygen is decreased. On the other hand, too low M.C deprives the
organisms of water needed for their metabolism. Therefore for aerobic
composting M.C for the optimum conditions of composting fell in the range 40-
60%. In anaerobic compositing, the maximum M.C is not important. If the
composting procedure is to have initial aerobic conditions to produce high
temperature lasting a few days for the destruction of pathogenic organisms,
followed by anaerobic composting, the maximum initial M.C may be as high as
65-95% depending on the character of the composting material.
vi. Placement of Materials for composting: For the aerobic decomposition of
M.S.W, open pile or windrow placed on the ground or on a paved surface or pile
placed in a shallow pit are the mostly used methods. If compositing process is to
be maintained aerobic throughout, frequent turning becomes essential; on the
other hand, if composting is to be entirely anaerobic, pits about 1m deep and
varying in length and width in accordance with the daily quantity should be used.
vii. Temperature: In aerobic composting proper temperature is a very important
factor. High temperature is essential for the destruction of pathogenic organisms
and undesirable weed seed compositing also proceeds much more rapidly in the
thermophilic temperature ranges. The optimum temperature range 550 – 700C,
around 600C usually being the moist satisfactory.
viii. Aeration: Aeration is essential for thermophilic aerobic composting and also for
reducing high initial M.C. Aeration also avoids anaerobic conditions; helps
maintain high temperature and fly control.
ix. Organisms in composting: In aerobic composting a wide variety of micro-
organisms have a variety of specific functions and that no single organisms, no
matter how active, can compare with a mixed population in producing rapid
stabilization. Compostable waste materials normally contain a large number of
many different types of bacteria, fungi, moulds and other living organisms.
x. Use of Inoculums: Enzymes, hormones, preserved living organisms, biocatalysts
are some of the inoculate which may be used to bring about rapid decomposition
of the compostable matters but there are convincing evidences that inocula and
other additives are not essential if other conditions favourable to composting are
maintained.
xi. Reaction (pH Control): The initial pH of compostable materials lies usually
between 5 and 7; wastes containing ash may be having higher pH value. If the

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material has undergone putrefaction before being received for composing, pH will
be about 5 since the optimum pH for most organisms is around 6.5 to 7.5, it would
be beneficial if pH could be maintained in that range.
xii. Climatic Conditions: Climatic conditions like temperature, wind and rainfall
influence the composting operation. Wind lower the temperature on the wind ward
side of the compost stack. Rains present more of problems when composting done
in pits. Shredding and grinding of the materials also become difficult. Heavy
snowfall greatly hinders continuous composting operations.
xiii. Destruction of pathogenic Organisms: Aerobic composting at high temperature
is effective in destroying pathogenic organisms. Almost all the disease bearing
organisms die away at much lower temperature than at maximum temperature
found inside the composting piles. Frequent turning also helps in the elimination
of disease producing organisms.
xiv. Fly Control: The composting materials are excellent media for the breeding and
development of a large fly population. Grinding, turning and systematic
cleanliness are found most effective for controlling flies.

Composting Techniques

The two principal methods of composting may be classified as agitated and static. In the
AGITATED METHOD, the material to be composted is agitated periodically to introduce
oxygen, to control the temperature and to mix the material and to obtain a more uniform
product. In the STATIC METHOD, the material to be composted remains stand and air is
blown through the composting material. The most common agitated and static methods of
composting are known as WINDROW and STATIC PILE METHODS, respectively.
Composting systems in which the composting operation is carried out a reactor of some types
are known as in vessel composting systems.

Windrow Composting

It is one of the oldest methods of compositing. A windrow can be constructed by forming the
organic material to be composted into windrows 2.5 to 3m height by 6 to 8m wide at the base.
A minimal system could use a front-end loader to turn the windrow per year. While such a
minimal system would work, it could take up to three to five years for complete degradation.
Also, such a system would probably emit objectionable odour, as part of the windrow will
likely be anaerobic.

A high-rate windrow system employs windrows with a smaller cross – section, typically 2-
2.3m X 4-5m wide. Before the windrows are formed organic material is processes by
shredding and screening it to approximately 2.5 to 7.5cm and the M.C is adjusted to 50 to
60%. High-rate systems are turned upto twice per week while the temperature is maintained
at or slightly above 550C. Turning of the windrows is often accompanied by the release of
offensive odours. Complete composting can be accomplished in three to four weeks. After
the turning period, the compost is allowed to cure for an additional 3 – 4 weeks without

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turning. During the curing period, residual decomposable organic materials are further
reduced by fungi and actinomycetes.

Static Pile Method

In static pile method the waste is kept in static piles. These piles are provided with a grid of
perforated pipes, which are used to supply the air. Air may be heated to the desired
temperature. This method is faster and provides better control than the windrow method. The
waste materials are composted in a period of two to four weeks. It is then cured for a further
period of two to three weeks.

In-vessel Method

As the name suggests in-vessel composting is carried out in a closed container. Various types
of vessels or container eg: vertical cylinders, horizontal cylinders, rectangular or circular
tanks can be used for composting. Mechanical agitators are used for mixing of composting
materials. Air can be supplied through nozzles connected with blowers. The advantage of this
system is a high degree of control over temperature, air, pH, odor etc. This system is
therefore popular, especially in developed countries. The system takes about one to two
weeks for converting waste into compost but a longer curing period, about four to ten weeks,
for complete stabilization

Vermi Composting

Vermicomposting uses the natural composting process of decomposition of bio-degradable

organic matter by the soil bacteria as in ordinary composting technique, but takes the
assistance cultured earth worms that are now produced commercially. These earth worms
help to quickly decompose the organic matter. The various steps involved in applying the
vermin composting technique are summarized below:

1. Dig a small pit about 0.5m square and 1m deep.

2. Line the pit with straw or dried leaves and other organic materials.
3. Organize the disposal of organic domestic waste (such as vegetable waste) into the
pit.
4. Introduce a culture of worms that is now produced commercially.

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5. Cover the pit contents daily, by sprinkling of dried leaves and soil every day.
6. Water the pit once or twice a week to keep it moist.
7. Turn over the pit contents every 15 days.
8. In about 45 days, the waste will be decomposed by the action of microorganisms.
9. The produced humus in the pit is fertile and rich in soil nutrients.

Mechanical Composting

Mechanical composting plants involve mechanical means of receipt, segregation and

pulverization (action of crushing and grinding) of the refuse before its digestion in closed
digesters. Closed digester for digestion of pulverized waste is however a costly proportion
and hence being used only in developed countries.

The procedure adopted for mechanical composting are as follows:

1. Receipt of refuse: the refused is received at the plant at 2 – 6 tonnes per vehicle and
storage capacity at the plant should be about 25 – 50% of the daily arrival of the
refuse at the plant pending segregation and grinding.
2. Segregation of refuse: dry refuse is allowed to move along a belt conveyor whereby
the ferrous materials are removed by magnetic separators and other non-combustible
organic material such as paper, rags, card boards, non-ferrous metals are also
separated out for recycle and reuse. The separation of such materials can be done
manually as well as by rotary and shaker screens.
3. Grinding of refuse: the remaining refuse is now pulverized by using different
equipment’s like hammer mill, rasping machine etc.

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4. Digestion of refuse: the above refuse is finally digested under controlled conditions
of temperature and moisture in mechanical digester. Vertical or horizontal cylinders
or silo type digester are common types of closed digester. Such closed digesters are
the most hygienic and require minimum space, though costly and hence largely
adopted in developed countries. Digestion period in such digesters normally vary
between 2 – 5 days for refuse containing low cellulose or low C: N ration; and 7 – 9
days for refuse having more quantities of cellulose and higher C: N ratio.

SWM RULES 2016

• The Rules are now applicable beyond Municipal areas and extend to urban
agglomerations, census towns, notified industrial townships, areas under the control of
Indian Railways, airports, airbase, Port and harbor, defense establishments, special
economic zones, State and Central government organizations, places of pilgrims,
religious & historical importance.
• The source segregation of waste has been mandated to channelize the waste to wealth
by recovery, reuse and recycle.
• Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced to segregate waste in to three
streams, Wet (Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, etc.) and domestic
hazardous wastes (diapers, napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, mosquito
repellents, etc.) and handover segregated wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste
collectors or local bodies.
• Integration of waste pickers/ rag pickers and waste dealers/ Kabadiwalas in the formal
system should be done by State Governments, and Self-Help Group, or any other
group to be formed.
• No person should throw, burn, or bury the solid waste generated by him, on streets,
open public spaces outside his premises, or in the drain, or water bodies.
• Generator will have to pay ‘User Fee’ to waste collector and for ‘Spot Fine’ for
Littering and Non-segregation.
• Used sanitary waste like diapers, sanitary pads should be wrapped securely in pouches
provided by manufacturers or brand owners of these products or in a suitable wrapping
material and shall place the same in the bin meant for dry waste / non- bio-degradable
waste.
• The concept of partnership in Swachh Bharat has been introduced. Bulk and
institutional generators, market associations, event organizers and hotels and
restaurants have been made directly responsible for segregation and sorting the waste
and manage in partnership with local bodies.
• All hotels and restaurants should segregate biodegradable waste and set up a system of
collection or follow the system of collection set up by local body to ensure that such
food waste is utilized for composting /bio-methanation.

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• All Resident Welfare and market Associations, Gated communities and institution
with an area >5,000 sq. m should segregate waste at source- in to valuable dry waste
like plastic, tin, glass, paper, etc. and handover recyclable material to either the
authorized waste pickers or the authorized recyclers, or to the urban local body.
• The bio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of 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
authority.
• The bio-degradable waste should be processed, treated and disposed of 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
authority.
• New townships and Group Housing Societies have been made responsible to develop
in-house waste handling, and processing arrangements for bio-degradable waste.
• Every street vendor should keep suitable containers for storage of waste generated
during the course of his activity such as food waste, disposable plates, cups, cans,
wrappers, coconut shells, leftover food, vegetables, fruits etc. and deposit such waste
at waste storage depot or container or vehicle as notified by the local authority.
• The developers of Special Economic Zone, industrial estate, industrial park to earmark
at least 5% of the total area of the plot or minimum 5 plots/ sheds for recovery and
recycling facility.
• All manufacturers of disposable products such as tin, glass, plastics packaging etc. or
brand owners who introduce such products in the market shall provide necessary
financial assistance to local authorities for the establishment of waste management
system.
• All such brand owners who sale or market their products in such packaging material
which are non-biodegradable should put in place a system to collect back the
packaging waste generated due to their production.
• Manufacturers or Brand Owners or marketing companies of sanitary napkins and
diapers should explore the possibility of using all recyclable materials in their products
or they shall provide a pouch or wrapper for disposal of each napkin or diapers along
with the packet of their sanitary products.
• All such manufacturers, brand owners or marketing companies should educate the
masses for wrapping and disposal of their products.
• All industrial units using fuel and located within 100 km from a solid waste-based
RDF plant shall make arrangements within six months from the date of notification of
these rules to replace at least 5 % of their fuel requirement by RDF so produced.
• Non-recyclable waste having calorific value of 1500 K/cal/kg or more shall not be
disposed of on landfills and shall only be utilized for generating energy either or
through refuse derived fuel or by giving away as feed stock for preparing refuse

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derived fuel.
• High calorific wastes shall be used for co-processing in cement or thermal power
plants.
• Construction and demolition waste should be stored, separately disposed-off, as per
the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
• Horticulture waste and garden waste generated from his premises should be disposed
as per the directions of local authority.
• An event, or gathering organizer of more than 100 persons at any licensed/ unlicensed
place, should ensure segregation of waste at source and handing over of segregated
waste to waste collector or agency, as specified by local authority.
• Special provision for management of solid waste in hilly areas: Construction of
landfill on the hill shall be avoided. A transfer station at a suitable enclosed location
shall be setup to collect residual waste from the processing facility and inert waste.
Suitable land shall be identified in the plain areas, down the hill, within 25 kilometers
for setting up sanitary landfill. The residual waste from the transfer station shall be
disposed-off at this sanitary landfill.
• In case of non-availability of such land, efforts shall be made to set up regional
sanitary landfill for the inert and residual waste.

The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) is a nationwide sanitation campaign launched by the
Government of India to achieve universal sanitation coverage and improve cleanliness
across the country. It was initiated on October 2, 2014, to honour Mahatma Gandhi's
vision of a clean and hygienic India.
Objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission
• Eliminate open defecation by constructing toilets in rural and urban areas.
• Promote scientific waste management through segregation, recycling, and proper
disposal.
• Create awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene.
• Encourage behavioural change towards cleanliness.
• Promote the use of sustainable sanitation technologies.

Components of Swachh Bharat Mission

The mission is divided into two major components:
1. Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) - SBM (G)
• Focuses on rural sanitation.
• Promotes the construction of household toilets, community toilets, and solid-liquid
waste management systems.
• Provides financial assistance for toilet construction.
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• Encourages the use of the Twin Pit Toilet System for sustainable sanitation.
2. Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) - SBM (U)
• Targets urban sanitation and waste management.
• Focuses on 100% door-to-door waste collection and proper disposal.
• Promotes waste segregation at source.
• Supports the development of waste processing plants like composting and recycling
units.
• Promotes public and community toilets in urban areas.

Achievements of Swachh Bharat Mission

• Over 100 million toilets were built in rural and urban areas.
• India was declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in October 2019.
• Significant reduction in diseases caused by poor sanitation.
• Enhanced community participation and awareness of sanitation issues.
• Improved waste management infrastructure in urban areas.

Sustainability and Ongoing Efforts

• SBM Phase II (2020-2025) focuses on maintaining ODF status and improving solid and
liquid waste management.
• Promotes the concept of ODF+ and ODF++ to ensure sanitation systems are sustainable.
• Encourages recycling and composting of organic waste.
• Supports initiatives like plastic waste management and bioremediation.

Public Participation
• Citizens, NGOs, schools, and local bodies actively participate in cleanliness drives under
the Jan Andolan (People’s Movement).
• Events like Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachh Survekshan are conducted to encourage
competition and motivation for maintaining cleanliness.

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Question Bank
1. Explain in brief about biological treatment of the organic waste fraction.
2. Explain aerobic and anaerobic composting methods with equations.
3. Explain with a neat sketch Bangalore method and Indore method of composting.
4. Explain with a neat sketch various composting techniques.
5. List and explain factors affecting composting process.
6. Explain in detail about the MSW Rules 2016.
7. Explain in detail about Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Program.

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