Gunn Goswami
CH NEWS
Waste segregation and disposal have become major concerns in today’s society. Every day, tons of waste are dumped in landfills and dumping yards, contributing to environmental pollution despite numerous efforts to reduce waste generation and improve disposal methods.
Improper waste management does not only affect the environment but also slows the country’s sustainable development.
Even after municipal bodies continue to improve garbage collection and disposal, one of the biggest challenges still begins inside our homes-waste segregation.
When dry and wet waste are mixed together, even the best waste management systems struggle to recycle or process it effectively.
To understand how apartments communities, handle these situations an interview was conducted with Mr. V. Ravi president of an apartment association in urban Bangaluru. He cited that the apartment produces nearly
900-1,000 kilograms of wet waste and 100 kilograms of dry waste every day, making it a Bulk Waste Generator (BWG) under BBMP guidelines.
According to him, the key to effective waste management is not better infrastructure but better habits. Residents are expected to separate wet and dry waste every day. Wet waste is processed into compost, while dry waste is sent for recycling through an authorised agency. Once the two are mixed, the recycling process becomes much more difficult.
The waste is then handed over to MSGP, a recycling and composting agency.
However, he believes that collection is only one part of the solution. “Educating residents about segregation is a continuous process,” he explained.
Around 80% of residents follow segregation rules correctly. Instead of imposing penalties, the apartment management focuses on creating awareness and issuing warnings to those who fail to follow the guidelines. Even though the remaining 20% may seem like a small number, mixed waste from a few households can affect the entire recycling process.
Poor waste disposal also has direct consequences. Overflowing garbage creates foul smells, attracts mosquitoes and insects, and increases health risks and diseases like Vector-bone-disease, infections and respiratory diseases.
Looking ahead, we as responsible citizens should be mindful of the practices we follow. Waste management is not just about keeping our surroundings clean—it is about protecting our health, conserving resources, and creating a better future for the next generation. Every household has a role to play. The core idea is not only about collecting garbage it is about changing everyday habits. A cleaner city begins with one simple action, separating waste at home.