Overview
India's cities, including the National Capital Region, rank among the world's most polluted, presenting serious challenges for sustainable urban growth. COP30, held in Belem in 2025, emphasized the reduction of waste in climate agendas and introduced the "No Organic Waste, NOW" initiative to curb methane emissions. These discussions highlight the imperative of circularity for achieving cleaner cities.
Waste Management Challenges and Solutions
- India's urban population is expected to generate 165 million tonnes of waste annually by 2030 and 436 million tonnes by 2050. This growing waste will increase greenhouse gas emissions and impact health, the economy, and climate.
- The Swachh Bharat Mission aims to create Garbage Free Cities by 2026 through sustainable waste management and resource optimization.
- Circularity, which treats waste as a resource, is vital for achieving this goal. It involves minimizing waste and recovering resources such as energy.
Organic and Dry Waste
- Over half of municipal waste is organic and can be processed through composting or bio-methanation, producing green fuel or power.
- Dry waste, including problematic plastics, requires efficient segregation and recycling. It can be used to produce refuse-derived fuel for industries.
Construction and Demolition Waste
- India generates around 12 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste annually, which often ends up polluting urban areas.
- Effective recycling of this waste can provide valuable raw materials and reduce environmental damage.
- Compliance with the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, and upcoming 2025 rules is essential.
Water Management
- Water and sanitation are state responsibilities. Recycling wastewater is crucial for agricultural, horticultural, and industrial uses.
- Water security in cities is tied to effective used water and faecal sludge management, as outlined in urban initiatives like AMRUT and SBM.
Challenges and Opportunities in Circularity
- Challenges include issues with segregation, processing, and quality of recycled products, as well as limited municipal resources.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and construction waste tracking need improvement.
- Inter-departmental coordination, stakeholder awareness, and incentives are crucial for effective circularity.
Policy and Community Engagement
- A national urban conclave in New Delhi addressed these issues, and the 'Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3)' was endorsed by Asia-Pacific nations.
- Public participation in circularity requires clear incentives and understanding of the benefits of the 'Reduce, Reuse, Recycle' model.
Recycling, supported by technology and policy, could play a key role in addressing urban waste challenges and contributing to resource conservation.
