WOW-decentralised waste management

The garbage collectors (two neatly dressed ladies) gently told me on the first day to put separately the biodegradable waste from the non-biodegradable stuff.  I know it makes their job easy. Later, I came to know that they are planning to have a waste-treatment plant in the apartment complex (may be somewhere on the terrace). WOW- I liked the idea- instead of centralized garbage disposal causing enormous pollution.  Named ‘bio-bins,' the containers made of fibre-reinforced plastic form the basic component of the system used to dispose of the daily garbage generated by 25 families living in the block. The ‘bio-bin' system uses the aerobic microbial composting method to convert biodegradable waste into organic manure.

Further, there is an urgent need for a stringent law on waste/garbage disposal/management which remains a major environmental and health hazard in all the cities and towns of our country.  Providing for mandatory waste processing systems at the source itself would go a long way in preventing dumping/accumulation of garbage heaps in public places.  Rules may be specified for recycling and disposal of non-organic waste. Hotels, restaurants, hospitals, hostels, slaughter houses markets should not be allowed to function if they fail to treat their waste. Any violation causing environmental pollution is a punishable offence under the Act. Public awareness campaign for clean surroundings is necessary for effective implementation of the Act. Bio-gas plants and compost making units should be set up in different locations for disposal of organic waste. Plastic bags should be banned. It must be ensured that manufacturers take back used cadmium batteries, compact discs, cell phones, computers and other electronic waste for processing, recycling or proper disposal. Technical and financial assistance may be provided for establishing garbage disposal management.