Delhi generates approximately 13,000 tonnes of solid waste every day. This figure is projected to escalate to 17,000 tonnes per day by the year 2031 due to the city's growing population.
As of now, Delhi has facilities capable of processing around 9,200 tonnes of waste daily. However, a considerable amount, roughly 3,800 tonnes per day, remains unprocessed and is directed to landfills.
The MCD confronts several challenges in managing waste effectively. These include:
Current waste management practices in Delhi have significant environmental repercussions. The unprocessed waste in landfills leads to the generation of methane gases and leachates, and it is also susceptible to landfill fires, which can adversely affect the surrounding environment.
To enhance waste separation and processing, it is vital to scale up the processing capacity to accommodate the anticipated increase in waste. Proposed strategies include:
Yes, decentralized processing methods such as Micro-Composting Centres (MCC) and Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCC) can be instituted at the ward level. This would help manage a portion of the city's waste, taking inspiration from successful systems implemented in states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and cities like Bengaluru.
Currently, only about 2% of non-biodegradable waste is recyclable and should be directed to recycling facilities. The rest, known as refuse-derived fuel (RDF), comprises materials such as plastics, paper, and textiles, which can be harnessed to generate power through waste-to-energy projects.
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