Garbage disposal is becoming a difficult target amidst the ever-increasing consumption and the amount of per capita waste productivity. Currently, the world produces about 2.0-2.5 billion tonnes of waste. It is estimated that in the next 25 years, this number will reach 4 billion tonnes. Under the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, it was resolved to take decisive steps towards doing away with waste by 2030, but right now it is proving to be a far-fetched idea. It is to be noted that there are some 2.7 billion people who lack access to waste collection, 2 billion of whom live in rural areas.
A resolution was passed in COP27 to halve the amount of waste generation by 2050, but the reality is that instead of reduction, there is an increase. The common man’s focus on waste reduction is often restricted to plastic, however, it constitutes only 9-10% of the total waste. Half or more of the total waste, in fact, is organic.
Waste pollution significantly threatens human well-being, economic prosperity, and the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution. According to estimates, about one million people in developing countries die every year due to mismanagement of waste. The increasing production of garbage also has an adverse impact on the economy as nations incur additional cost in ensuring uncontaminated food reach the people. Ultimately, this cost burden falls on the common man. Despite these ill-effects, waste management finds the least priority on the development agenda. And people are indifferent to its management.
Everyone from the producer to the local body, pollution control board, state government, to educational institutions, etc. are responsible for the proper management of garbage. Many initiatives have been taken in India, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan since 2014. But without a concrete plan to reduce waste or reach zero, these efforts have been in vain. At the national level, per capita waste generation is still increasing continuously. This is not a good sign. Overall, this will have adverse effects on human civilization. The current plan of action is limited to either shifting waste from one place to another or centralised disposal.
If the goal of zero waste is to be truly achieved, drastic measures will have to be taken. This has not been possible in any nation by mere voluntary implementation. The reason behind the lack of quantity reduction despite 10 years of intense government efforts and infusion of immense resources is basically the lack of self-discipline. Strict penal provisions are the need of the hour.
During discussions on waste management, illustrations from Singapore, Europe, Australia etc. are mentioned and it is expected from the government that the environment, cleanliness etc. should be at par. Unfortunately, there is no mention of this even in the election manifestos in India. If we really want to achieve the goal of zero waste, then punitive provisions will have to be implemented effectively, on the spot and without discrimination.
At the core of waste management is the principle of polluter pay, but it has been pushed to the back burner. In some cities in the state of Maharashtra, ex-cops and servicemen were given the right to impose fine through Civic Corp, which yielded very good results. But due to some political interference, that system had to be withdrawn. If there is a provision of polluter fee along with production in the system, then perhaps the idea of a one-time cost before producing waste will create a curb. The irony is that we, citizens, produce waste but expect disposal from the government. Without establishing the responsibility of the producer, it is almost impossible to reduce waste. The liability of quantity-wise fee along with garbage collection can prove to be a milestone in this.
By instituting a robust collection system, initiatives aimed at mitigating garbage generation, promoting its reuse, repurposing, and recycling can be actualized. When waste is portrayed to the public as more than a mere eyesore, highlighting its detrimental impacts on health, the economy, and the environment, and when financial penalties are enforced for excessive production, only then can we hope to surmount the stigma surrounding garbage disposal. Otherwise, achieving this goal would remain a distant aspiration.
Dr Vivek S Agrawal is the Chairman of Institute of Chartered Waste Managers, and Managing Director at Greentech Infra Private Limited, India.