A Four (4) Pillar to Implementing a Zero Garbage System

Introduction:

Are you ready for a greener, more sustainable lifestyle? Creating a zero garbage system in our community or city is easier than it sounds. Imagine a city where every piece of trash is like a valuable resource, not just a headache. In this article, we’ll check out the different ways to make any town or community produce no garbage. We’ll chat about sorting waste, using super cool recycling methods, and getting everyone in the community to join. Come along on this exciting journey as we uncover the secrets to making our cities cleaner and more sustainable through four (4) pillars to implementing a zero garbage system. Before analysing and delving into these unique strategies, the question may arise:

What does a zero garbage system mean?

A zero garbage system, also called zero waste, means we try really hard not to throw away a lot of trash in big dumps or burn it. The idea is to make less trash and be careful about dealing with it so it doesn’t hurt the environment. In this system, we want to stop or reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills or gets burned. We do this by doing things like not making too much waste in the first place, reusing items instead of throwing them away, and recycling or turning something into compost instead of putting them in the garbage. The goal is to care for our environment by using things wisely and ensuring they get used repeatedly without causing harm.

Making a Zero Garbage System is really important for handling waste. It helps us use resources wisely by reusing, recycling, and getting them back. Sadly, in many developing countries, people don’t focus much on this. Only a few people know about it, and the rules to do it need to be stronger. Also, there are few rewards for doing it right, and planning gives it little importance. This makes it challenging to separate waste in these places.

A new study from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) found that India makes more than 62 million tons of waste annually. Surprisingly, only 43 million tons of this waste gets picked up, and just 12 million tons get treated before being thrown away. The rest, 31 million tons, is left in waste yards with little thought. This means a lot of the waste still needs attention. Not collecting, moving, treating, and getting rid of garbage properly has become a big problem for the country’s environment and people’s health. This shows that we really need a Zero Garbage System to deal with this issue.

The Four (4) Pillar to Implementing a Zero Garbage System

It’s important to separate our waste into three categories: recyclable, organic, and non-recyclable. Recyclables include paper, plastic, glass, and metal that can be recycled. Organic waste consists of kitchen scraps, garden waste, and other natural materials that can turn into compost. Non-recyclables are materials that can’t be recycled, such as specific plastic or foul items. To simplify this process, use different bins for each category and label them clearly. This way, everyone can sort their trash correctly. It’s also crucial to educate people about why waste separation matters. This can be done through campaigns, workshops, and sharing information to encourage the community to get involved and sort their waste correctly.

Recycling Initiatives (Implementing a Zero Garbage System):

Firstly, we can reuse materials by using things again instead of throwing them away. This helps us cut down on waste. Next, recycling bins specifically for paper, plastic, glass, and metal make it easy to separate different materials. When we reduce waste, we make less trash by using things wisely and not creating unnecessary rubbish. To spread the word about the importance of recycling, we can organise awareness programs through campaigns and information sharing. Lastly, it’s crucial to encourage community involvement by getting everyone to join in recycling efforts. When everyone works together, we can make a big difference in reducing waste, helping the environment, and moving forward to implement a zero garbage system.

Composting Programs (Implementing a Zero Garbage System):

To begin composting, gather kitchen scraps like leftover food and vegetable peels. Add garden waste, including fallen leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings. Put these materials into dedicated compost bins, special containers for turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. This resulting compost acts as a natural fertiliser, supplying essential nutrients to plants & improving soil health. Most importantly, by embracing composting practices, we play a part in reducing landfill waste as organic materials are kept out of landfills, which helps the environment and leads to a zero garbage system.

Role of Technology in managing waste effectively (Implementing a Zero Garbage System):

Technology is crucial in modern waste management in making things work better. Intelligent bins are trash bins with sensors that monitor how full they are and determine the best collection routes. Another tool is data analytics, which means using information to understand how waste is created, improve processes, and make things work more smoothly. Digital Platforms are valuable ways to use online tools to get communities involved in responsible waste disposal. Regarding recycling, technology brings us recycling technologies and advanced methods to process and recycle materials more efficiently. All of these tech tools add up to efficient waste management, meaning we handle our trash in more innovative ways, which helps a lot in reducing harm to the environment.

Handling the increasing waste from cities and industries is a big worry today. To find an eco-friendly answer, researchers at TERI looked into biomethanation as an excellent way to manage solid waste. This method makes biogas, which can replace regular fuels, and gives us digested sludge that works as valuable organic manure.

TERI’s work led to creating a unique digester for more challenging organic waste. This innovative tech is now used in a waste treatment plant at TERI’s sustainable campus in Gurgaon, Haryana. Since 2000, this plant has made top-quality biogas and manure from organic waste, proving that biomethanation is an innovative and sustainable way to manage waste.

In October 2015, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched an exceptional Waste Management Technologies (WMT) program. This program is closely connected to the “Swachh Bharat Mission” or “Clean India Mission” of the Government. Its goal is to address various aspects of Waste Management, including the generation, prevention, understanding, monitoring, treatment, handling, reuse, and final disposal of solid wastes. The program aligns with the national mission for a cleaner and more sustainable India.

In February 2020, the Indian Government gave the green light to Phase II of the Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) with a special focus. The goal is to keep villages Open defecation-free (ODF) and upgrade them to ODF Plus by 2024-25. This means stopping open defecation and managing solid and liquid waste well. Here are the main plans:

1. IHHL Access: Make sure all households have access to Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs), especially those that were missed before.
2. Biodegradable Waste Management: Handle things like kitchen waste by turning them into compost or using Biogas plants.
3. Plastic Waste Facilities: Set up places to manage plastic waste properly.
4. Greywater Management: Deal with used water (greywater) through systems like soak pits and waste stabilisation ponds.
5. Faecal Sludge Management: Manage waste from toilets through co-treatment in existing Sewage Treatment Plants and by building new treatment plants.

As of October 2023, more than 78% of villages, according to the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), have declared themselves ODF Plus from ODF status. This means they are actively working on these cleanliness plans and moving towards a zero garbage system.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, embracing a zero garbage system is essential for waste management and a collective responsibility toward a healthier planet. By following the comprehensive guide and leveraging technological advancements, communities can stride towards a future where waste is minimised, resources are optimised, and environmental well-being takes precedence.