Solid Waste Management: A Case Study of Ahmedabad
Jil Tushar Sheth ; Kinara Patel; Prof. Dipsha Shah
Keywords:
Solid Waste Management, AMC, Composition, Green House
Abstract
Due to population upsurge and urbanization, solid waste management is now one of the chief issues to deal with as it affects quality of life. Ahmedabad is the 7th largest city of India and generates about 4000 Metric tons of waste daily. The foremost segments responsible for the emission of GHGs are energy supply with 26% followed by industrial activities with 19%, while the commercial areas including buildings and residential with 8% and waste sector with 3%. Out of the total emissions from waste sector, the solid waste contributes nearly 22 % of total greenhouse gas emission in Indian context which in turn is the 3% of the total sectorial emissions. The studies reveal that this MSW comprises of more than 50% of organic waste in Indian context as it contains vegetable, food waste, animal dung, paper, cloth and other biodegradable components as well.[1] This study aims at providing an overview of the stages of waste management i.e. Prevention, Minimization, Reuse, Recycle, Energy recovery, Disposal and its composition at the Ahmedabad city level. It also provides a further insight of feasibility and aids of adopting segregation at source and decentralisation of swm in order to provide better future. A sample survey of Ghatlodiya that was carried out by JTC Agency which revealed that vast majority of people are willing to segregate as per law (87%+). [2] Decentralization and segregation at source can be beneficial as compared to current cost of INR 1000 per ton for solid waste management, cost can reduce to 418 per ton and also can lead to better standard of living of society. Out of 4000 MT generated daily only 800 MT would be needed to dispose daily which would lead to 80% volume reduction then current scenario. As only 800MT tones would be disposed, it would further lead to reduction in GHGs emission and thus would help lower carbon footprint.
