Responsible Waste Management - The Need of the Hour
Responsible Waste Management is a critical topic which requires immediate attention globally. However, before we understand the “how”, “what”, and “why” let us look at what the statistics have to say about waste mismanagement and pollution.
- Reports suggest an estimated 2.01 billion tons of solid waste generation globally.
- India alone reports mismanaged plastic waste of 7,300,752 tonnes as of 2023.
- Microplastics to the tune of 3,30,764 tonnes are likely to be let out in the waterways in 2023.
These alarming numbers call for immediate action and rectification. The answer to this problem is a) waste reduction and b) responsible waste management.
What is Responsible Waste Management?
The practices adopted by a nation to efficiently and sustainably handle waste to reduce its environmental, social, and economic impact are what we understand as responsible waste management.
What is Responsible Waste Management?
The practices adopted by a nation to efficiently and sustainably handle waste to reduce its environmental, social, and economic impact are what we understand as responsible waste management.
- Encouraging reduction in waste generation
- Promoting recycling and reuse
- Stressing on safe waste disposal
- Underlining the need to treat waste that cannot be recycled or reusedc
Ways to initiate Responsible Waste Management:
- Waste Segregation:
Team Yimby can assure you that one of the sure-shot ways of carrying out responsible waste management begins with on-point waste segregation. Waste needs to be segregated at source under different categories namely organic waste, recyclable waste, and hazardous waste.
It is equally vital to segregate waste into dry and wet waste. Doing so aids with effective recycling and waste treatment, eventually contributing to responsible waste management.
- Landfill Management:
As of 2022, India had about 3100 landfills, most of which were pressured by unmindful dumping and an ever-increasing quantity of waste. This is where the need for landfill management pops into the picture.
Responsible waste management looks to sow the seeds to modern landfills, the core of which is a liner and leachate collection system that helps minimize soil and water contamination. Similarly, these landfills aim to make use of the methane gas that is usually produced during decomposition.
- Education and Awareness:
One of the most underrated principles of responsible waste management is to work towards creating education and awareness among the masses. At the end of the day, responsible waste management is not the responsibility of any one individual or entity.
The same has to be practiced at every level. This is why Team Yimby looks forward to hosting public education and awareness campaigns to add a touch of sustainability to waste management.
- EPR:
EPR, which stands for extended producer responsibility, makes a powerful responsible waste management concept by holding the manufacturer responsible for the product during its entire life cycle. Yes, right till its end-of-life disposal.
This, in turn, motivates manufacturers to come up with recyclable and sustainable products, indirectly reducing waste and pressure on landfills.
- Policy Frameworks:
Governments have become increasingly active in fulfilling the responsible waste management agenda by defining recycling targets, highlighting waste diversion goals, and laying out regulations on waste handling.
Certainly, a beneficial decision for the greater good.
Are you ready to put your responsible waste management shoes on? Do it with YIMBY!
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