Assessment of Waste Management Practices in India

https://doi.org/10.46610/JoWRPS.2025.v010i03.004

Abstract

Effective waste management is a major challenge for sustainable development in India, a country experiencing rapid urbanization, a growing population, and increasing industrial activity. These factors have significantly increased the amount of solid waste being generated. This study examines how waste is currently managed in India, focusing on the processes of collection, segregation, transportation, treatment, and disposal. The analysis reveals regional variations in waste generation and management practices, as well as the gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation. Despite national initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Mission and the Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), numerous challenges persist. These include inadequate infrastructure, low public awareness, the dominance of the informal sector, and weak enforcement of regulations. The study also explores the potential of sustainable waste management approaches such as waste-to-energy conversion, recycling, composting, and the circular economy model to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. The findings highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated waste management system that combines technological innovation, robust policy enforcement, and active community participation. Such a system is essential to enhance environmental sustainability, protect public health, and support India’s long-term development goals. India’s waste management system faces major challenges, including inadequate collection and processing infrastructure, especially in rural areas where formal systems are largely absent. While efforts like the Swachh Bharat Mission aim to improve urban management, significant portions of waste end up in landfills or are improperly disposed of, harming the environment and public health. Key issues include low recycling rates, ineffective sorting, and a lack of financial incentives for recycled materials, which hinders the economic viability of the sector and emphasizes the need for source segregation and robust treatment facilities.