Assessment of Factors Affecting Segregation o...

Assessment of Factors Affecting Segregation of Solid Waste at Source and Waste Management Practices in Urban Areas in Punjab

Author Name : Suhani Sharma, Dr. Naresh Kumar

ABSTRACT Scientific solid waste management is a major challenge in urban areas, especially in developing countries like India. The improper disposal of unprocessed solid waste in dumpsites, open areas, and water bodies poses significant environmental and public health hazards. This paper explores the critical challenges of waste segregation at the source, highlighting its significance for resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and public health. It also discusses the various impediments to implementing waste segregation strategies, such as lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and issues with informal waste collectors. To address these challenges, the paper introduces 3D Solid Waste Management system. This innovative approach involves providing color-coded dustbins at source of waste generations, incentivizing proper waste segregation for both households and waste collectors, and implementing an app-based monitoring system. A comprehensive user study was conducted across urban areas of Punjab involving various stakeholders.