Improving SWM process (segregation & collection) to enhance transfer station efficiency

Abstract

Climate change, losses of biodiversity, changes in biogeochemical cycles and the use of hazardous substances have become environmental problems that pose a threat to sustainable development. Waste generation and management is a sector that depends on a society's activities and how they are controlled by public authorities. Public service delivery and infrastructure are some challenges faced by the urban local authorities (ULBs) in developing countries, making solid waste management one of many countries ' top priorities. Municipal solid waste management is based on “Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM)” principles in municipal waste management. ISWM refers to the strategic approach to sustainable management of solid waste covering all sources and aspects, covering generation and segregation, transfer, sorting, treatment, recovery and disposal in an integrated manner, with a focus on maximizing the efficiency of resource use. The study conducted as part of my thesis focuses on the phase of source segregation and collection and how to improve the efficiency of Transfer Stations in terms of the quantity of waste handled, which are intermediate points from which waste is collected from primary collection points and transferred either to processing or landfill sites. The idea is to implement strategies for the phase of source segregation and collection so that the waste reaching the transfer station can be reduced and higher in the waste hierarchy to some other options. The solid waste management process in India has been studied with all the stages to begin with the study. CPCB, Swachh Bharat and Smart City reports and changes in population density were studied in order to select a study area. Comparison in rankings of Swachh Sarvekshan for the year 2017 and 2018 was done to analyse the improvement levels in state and cities. Accordingly, Municipal Corpoartion of Faridabad was selected as the study area. The Process of SWM in the Corporation were identified and the location of Transfer Stations and landfills. Also the vehicle fleet and manpower engaged in the collection and waste transfer need to be identified. iii Improving SWM Process (Segregation & Collection) To Enhance Transfer Station Efficiency For the study area, the initial survey of the existing solid waste management process was studied with focus on the source separation and collection stage from where the waste reaches the transfer station. The data collected was in the form of questionnaires prepared for the residents and the concerned authority. A micro study area was selected on the basis of a Transfer Station existing and serving some wards of the corporation. The Concerns of Waste for the citizens, efficiency of collection and willingness to pay for improvements were studied. Quantity of waste handled by different Transfer station and quantity reaching the landfill in a day were studied to studied. Source of Segregation and collection were studied and compared with the SLB’s given in CPHEEO Manual,2016. Diversion Rate for the city was calculated as to much scope of diversion is there to switch to other options higher in the waste hierarchy. The various strategies or initiatives for improving source segregation and collection globally were studied. Some Studies were based on the taxation method like Landfill Tax or Recycling Tax. Other were incentive based which gave certain rebates for source segregation. There were also countries which followed penalization as the key strategy for improvement in source segregation and collection of solid waste. The strategy most suited for Municipal Corporation of Faridabad was selected and the scenario was studied where after implementation of the strategy the change in the quantity of waste reaching the transfer station. Also if there are any trip reductions for collection of solid waste and taking it to the transfer station were studied. The study will led to strategy or initiatives which the Urban Local Bodies can take to improve the overall Solid Waste Management process. Such strategy along with extensive awareness programmes can led to behavioural change in the people and make them aware of the benefits of source segregation and how it can help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions. Also with the advancement in technologies this will benefit if the waste is not treated as trash and is taken as wealth. Also these strategies are also required because of the decreasing availability of land for with the government for establishing large transfer stations and landfill sites.