Solid Waste Management
Solid waste management has emerged as a critical issue with environmental and public health implications, in small towns and socio ecological systems in the Global South. Our work seeks to replace the current global waste management approach, based on linear centralized models with context-specific solid waste management plans that promote circularity, livelihood creation, and community entrepreneurship. We also prioritize engaging local stakeholders to design and implement customized solutions, fostering circular practices and sustainable livelihoods.
Interventions
Localized waste management plans
Brand auditing
Circularity and Livelihoods
Campaigns
In collaboration with the local municipality, efforts we have developed localized waste management plans to address the gaps in handling both biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste in the city. These plans aim to improve institutional capacities and establish sustainable environmental infrastructure options. The resulting recommendations can serve as a valuable protocol for solid waste management in small towns.
As part of a comprehensive sanitation plan for a canal shed, brand auditing was conducted to effectively manage the generated plastic waste. Information on household level generation and details of plastic waste management practices was gathered. Students from local colleges were included as part of the knowledge co production process. The brand auditing endeavour aimed to explore possibilities for asserting ‘Extended Producer Responsibility’ and gain insights into potential strategies for waste management.
A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the scope and challenges faced by the Alappuzha municipality in transitioning into a circular economy focused on recycling and reuse through local initiatives. The establishment and empowerment of the Haritha Karma Sena (Green Army) and the formalization of solid waste management were outcomes of these efforts in Alappuzha. Valuable insights were gained through comparative studies of HKS units in other local bodies. Training and capacity building were undertaken, with a focus on the inclusion of women self-help groups in the waste management process.
Various campaigns focusing on waste management awareness, flood prevention, decentralized waste management, and canal pollution control were implemented, involving school students and residents, aiming to make Alappuzha a sustainable and thriving community. The ‘Ente Bhoomi Ente Bhavi’ (My Land My Future) campaign focused on waste management awareness among school students, with informative sessions being organized across all 42 schools within the municipality. The functioning of an aerobic compost unit was inaugurated, introducing students to its operation. The ‘Thelineer ozhukum Rani thodu- Mazhayethum munpe’ (Pristine Waters of Rani Canal: A Prelude to Rain) campaign aimed to combat floods caused by waste dumping in a key canal, with mass cleanings, drawing competitions, and awareness programs actively involving residents in restoring the canal’s cleanliness. The ‘Nirmala Bhavanam Nirmala Nagaram 2.0’ (Clean Home Clean City 2.0) initiative centered on decentralized waste management and the creation of zero-waste areas, with waste disposal techniques being implemented and residents being engaged through surveys and collective efforts to contribute to a cleaner Alappuzha. The CANSAN campaign involved sensitization programs on canal pollution and sanitation for school students, with their involvement being promoted through CANSAN clubs and local governance of canals being advocated.
