Environmental Recycling System (ERS): An Emerging Approach to Solid Waste Management

Introduction

Unplanned growth may result into lack of space, generation of pollution and solid waste disposal problems. Municipal solid waste is considered as a complex waste which contains different physical and chemical constituents. The type and composition of solid waste is dependent upon type of the consumer products, culture, climate, regulation of country, life quality etc. While selecting any method for management of waste, the information about the constituents of waste and its composition becomes necessary. It also determines the frequency of collection of waste and method used for disposal of waste. Generally solid waste in any country includes organic matter, plastic, waste of wood, paper, glass waste, metallic waste etc. Global average for generation of solid waste is around 0.6 kg/capita/day. However waste generation rate as high as 2.7 to 4.0 kg/capita/day has been reported in case of developed countries.

It has been observed that with urbanization of any country composition of waste also changes. It has increased amount of waste including packaging waste, paper waste, plastic etc. It has been reported that in Delhi, capital of India, about 6000 tons of waste is generated currently which has been estimated to increase up to 15000 tons per day by 2021. It has also been found that organic waste is about 60% of total waste while remaining 40% is inorganic waste. There are various categories of solid waste-

• 1.

  Organic like food, vegetables, meat etc.

• 2.

  Combustible waste having high calorific value

• 3.

  Non combustible or inert waste

• 4.

  Dust or sweeping waste

• 5.

  Hazardous waste

• 6.

  Waste arising of construction