An Exploratory Study on Municipal Solid WasteManagement System and Energy Recovery InTiruvallur, India

Solid Waste is one of the major environmental problems of Indian cities. The quantity of solid waste produced in city depends on the type of the city, its population, living standards of the residents and degree of commercialization, industrialization and various activities prevailing in the city. Solid Waste Management is an obligatory function of municipal corporations, municipalities and other local bodies in India. Waste quantities are increasing and municipal authorities are not able to upgrade the facilities required for proper management of such wastes. In many cities and towns, garbage is littered on roads and foot-paths; almost 90% of Solid waste is disposed of unscientifically in open dumps and landfills, creating problems to public health and the environment. This study is carried out on Municipal solid waste management practice by five major municipalities of Tiruvallur District. This study includes review of the waste generation, characterization, collection, transportation, disposal of MSW, Government participation and available income to government through municipal solid wastes. Survey has been conducted to know the public participation towards municipal solid waste management. Some locations were identified for setting up Transfer stations for handling municipal solid waste and sanitary Landfill sites for safe disposal of solid wastes, treatment technologies for MSW along with their benefits, remedial measures and suggestions on future MSWM strategies were also discussed. This study also aims at encouraging authorities/researchers to work towards the improvement of the present system through suggestions, recommendations and also to create awareness among each individual to make pollution free environment.