Page 70 - AJWEP-v22i3

Saibabu, et al.

1.1. Definition of solid waste management (SWM) Similarly, Singh emphasized the need for improvement
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SWM refers to the systematic control of waste materials in urban waste management through better governance
from their generation to final disposal, ensuring and citizen participation. Sharholy et al. reviewed
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minimal environmental and public health risks. It MSWM in Indian cities, identifying issues such as
involves various stages, including waste collection, inadequate waste collection, poor infrastructure,
transportation, processing, recycling, and final disposal and the lack of scientific disposal methods. Jha
through landfilling or incineration. The primary et al. analyzed SWM strategies and highlighted the
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objective of SWM is to reduce waste-related hazards necessity of integrated waste management approaches.
while optimizing resource efficiency and sustainability. Furthermore, Kumar et al. provided a qualitative
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Urbanization and population growth have significantly assessment of MSWM, emphasizing the role of policy
increased waste generation, posing serious challenges implementation and financial investment. The Indian
for municipal authorities, especially in developing government has implemented various policies and
countries. SWM also encompasses strategies for waste regulations to improve MSWM. The Municipal Solid
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reduction, resource recovery, and sustainable disposal Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2000, and
methods to ensure urban cleanliness and environmental the subsequent SWM Rules, 2016, mandated scientific
protection. Inefficient waste management can lead to waste disposal, segregation at source, and extended
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environmental pollution, health hazards, and burdens on producer responsibility. 21,22 The recently updated SWM
infrastructure. Effective SWM practices incorporate Rules, 2024, seek further improvements in waste
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waste reduction strategies, recycling programs, and reduction and recycling. Maharashtra has taken proactive
regulatory frameworks to ensure efficient resource measures through the Maharashtra Non-Biodegradable
utilization and environmental protection. Regulations Garbage Control Act, 2006, which bans plastic bags
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play a crucial role in guiding waste management policies. and promotes waste segregation, 23,24 providing annual
Countries implement legal frameworks to govern reports on the compliance and enforcement of waste
waste collection, disposal methods, and sustainability management policies. 25,26 A significant focus of MSWM
initiatives. In developing regions, challenges such as is transitioning toward a circular economy. Mugambi
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inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, and lack and Windberg emphasized resource recovery
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of public awareness hinder effective SWM. However, prospects, while Zaman and Lehmann discussed
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adopting an integrated waste management approach, transforming cities into “zero waste” ecosystems. Sajja
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including community participation and technological and Meesala analyzed waste reduction strategies in
advancements, can enhance urban livability. Sustainable retail supply chains, highlighting sustainable waste
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waste management strategies are essential for mitigating management practices. Key challenges identified in the
pollution, conserving resources, and supporting overall literature include: (i) infrastructure deficiency: limited
environmental and public health goals. 15 landfill sites and inefficient waste processing facilities;
(ii) public awareness: lack of segregation at source and
1.2. Review of literature improper disposal habits; (iii) financial constraints:
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Municipal SWM (MSWM) is a significant challenge in insufficient funds for waste collection and treatment;
India due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, and (iv) informal sector involvement: a significant portion
population growth. According to the Central Pollution of recycling is handled by informal waste pickers, as
Control Board, India generates approximately noted by Wilson et al.; (v) technological innovations:
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62 million tons of municipal solid waste annually, of adoption of waste-to-energy technologies; and
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which only 43 million tons are collected and 12 million (vi) public–private partnerships: encouraging private
tons are treated. The increasing waste generation investments in MSWM. 31
necessitates efficient waste management practices to MSWM has become a pressing issue in rapidly
ensure sustainability and public health. This literature urbanizing regions due to increasing population
review explores existing research on MSWM in India, density and waste generation. Urban local bodies and
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focusing on waste management practices, regulatory municipal corporations are responsible for reducing and
frameworks, challenges, and future recommendations. efficiently processing solid waste, yet many struggle
Several studies have examined the various aspects with inadequate waste collection, transportation, and
of MSWM in India. Singh conducted a case study disposal systems. The inefficiency of these systems
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in Indore, highlighting the city’s successful waste often exacerbates the environmental and public health
segregation, collection, and disposal mechanisms. hazards associated with unregulated waste disposal.

Volume 22 Issue 3 (2025) 64 doi: 10.36922/ajwep.8593