Waste segregation is the process of separating the waste into various categories. This makes the process of recycling and disposal easier for the authorities. Home waste can be bifurcated into dry waste, wet waste, sanitary waste & electronic waste.
“Waste is waste till it is segregated”
VONG (Voice of the new generation) movement is about motivating our youth and create an attitudinal shift. VONG initiative can help us solve this problem quickly and effectively. What we do is collectively inspire our new generation to raise questions about global issues and understand how they can make a sustainable world. In a way the new generation would inspire the society to do the same. VONG SDG Café conducted the live event on ZOOM platform with Rahul Wadghane as our guest speaker. Rahul Wadghane, Assistant Professor for Agribusiness and Food Management MIT ADT University
A few questions were asked to the guest speaker related to the topic by our host. Here’s the summary of the discussion on “Waste Segregation and It’s Importance”.
What is the advantage of segregating waste at the generator level itself?
It gives one a chance to process the waste at the generator level through composting and biogas facility. If the waste is getting treated at the source level, then we also save the transportation cost of transporting the waste to different treatment facilities. It also improves the sanitary conditions of the collectors as well because if waste is not segregated at the generator level, then the collectors have to segregate it and often do it without any protective gear like gloves or masks. Up to 95 % of our daily household waste is recyclable and 50% is the wet waste which is mainly produced from the kitchen which can be easily composted. There are a lot of MNCs that buy the segregated waste like plastics, papers, unused stationary, cardboard and other dry waste to recycle it or use it. Some MNCs in the fashion industry try and reuse carboard by having buy back offers. Whereas the wet waste is used in making of fuels like biogas.
Could you shed some light on formal garbage collectors and informal or non-authorized garbage collectors?
The amount of waste collected by informal garbage collectors is actually more compared to formal garbage collectors. Incentives can be provided to these garbage collectors by providing them with helmets, gloves, masks and uniforms to uplift their workplace sanitary conditions
How can we promote the segregation of waste with the help of the government and youth?
By segregating waste and showing its effects by publicizing the idea of segregating waste. One of major components of promoting waste segregation is people participation. Because more people that do waste segregation makes other people motivated to do the same. Students being the future stakeholders in today’s world can change people’s attitudes by spreading the message among adults as well their friends and classmates. In order to encourage student’s poster making competitions can be held these posters can be later hanged in different parts of the colony and markets as well. You can also motivate students to organize happiness sale in a community area where all the items that don’t get used in their household like old clothes, bedsheets, pots, pans, toys, CDs and etc can be sold at a low cost or given away to the local sanitation helpers.
Why should we make biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories? And how should we go ahead and treat them and process them?
Biodegradable is basically anything that is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and non-biodegradable is anything that is not capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms. If 30-40 % of waste is treated at the generator level, then cost of treating and transporting that waste will be saved. Nature based solutions are also available which are being developed by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Nature based solutions can be created by adding new technologies to traditional waste management solutions. The way for dry waste is to start at home by beginning to influence and motivate your neighbours and to do this at a larger scale you can conduct workshops for your residential area. It is not only important to segregate the dry waste but also to see the way it’s been disposed of. The major problem with solid waste management is that the technology and techniques are available to properly manage waste but the implementation is not being done properly.
How does waste segregation or waste management relate to sustainability or sustainable development?
We should see this in a holistic manner such that the right of livable surrounding is the right of every citizen. Consumer behavior also changes which leads to contribution to other sustainable goals. If you segregate or recycle waste which is very popular in circular economy. If waste is segregated, we can reuse it, recycle it and reduce it which can increase the efficiency of the economy. If handled properly, waste management has huge potential to turn problems into solutions and to lead the way towards sustainable development through the recovery and reuse of valuable resources; the creation of new business and employment opportunities, including for the informal sector; reduced emissions of greenhouse gasses from waste management operations, such as landfills; and conversion of waste to energy.
Conclusion
For effective waste management it is necessary to segregate the waste. It is also essential to ensure that all the stakeholders including, garbage collectors and etc are motivated to play their part to resolve this issue. Live events, webinars and discussions with experts on this pressing societal and environmental problem is the very first step taken by ‘VONG’ to make the youth conscious about these environmental issues and further encourage them to self-learn, reflect their opinions in the society through our platform. We are just one part of making change happen, but we want that part to be significant, open to learning and ready to challenge the issue.
“Refuse what you do not need; reduce what you do need; reuse what you consume; recycle what you cannot refuse, reduce, or reuse; and rot (compost) the rest.”
– Bea Johson
Article by: Akshat Singh -VONGle,Orion Square
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