Introduction:

Waste management in India is a significant challenge due to the country's large population and
increasing urbanization. The inadequate infrastructure and resources in the waste management
sector have resulted in significant environmental and health hazards, including air and water
pollution and land degradation.

There are two primary types of waste generated in India: municipal solid waste (MSW) and
hazardous waste. MSW consists of household and commercial waste, and hazardous waste
includes chemicals, medical waste, and electronic waste.

The management of MSW in India is the responsibility of local governments, but they often lack
the capacity and resources to manage waste effectively. The majority of waste is either left
uncollected or disposed of in open dumpsites or landfills, leading to the release of harmful
pollutants into the environment. The informal sector, consisting of waste pickers and recyclers,
plays a critical role in waste management in India, but they face challenges such as inadequate
infrastructure and access to proper equipment.

The Government of India has taken several initiatives to improve waste management, including
the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, which aims to make India clean and open
defecation-free by 2022. The campaign includes various measures such as promoting waste
segregation, constructing toilets and public sanitation facilities, and building waste-to-energy
plants.

Overall, waste management remains a significant challenge in India, and there is a need for
increased investment and innovation to improve infrastructure, technology, and public
awareness to address the issue effectively.