Spreadsheet Tool User Manual for Planning MSW Management

Spreadsheet Tool User Manual for Planning MSW Management
The ISWM concept has to be adapted with the view that effective management schemes need the
flexibility of design, adaptation, and systems in ways which best meet current social, economic, and
environmental conditions. These are likely to change over time and vary by location. The need for
consistency in quality and quantity of recycled and recovered materials (compost, energy), the need
to support a range of disposal options, and the benefit of economies of scale, suggest that the ISWM
systems should be organized on a large‐scale.
Some of the major features of ISWM can be listed as follows:
Holistic approach to all waste streams thus maximizing synergetic benefits in collection,
recycling, treatment & disposal
Maximize the opportunities for resource recovery at all stages ‐ from generation to final
disposal
Accommodate aspirations of all stakeholders – from waste generators to waste
management and service providers
Facilitate life cycle view of products and materials; thus, promoting greater resource use
efficiency
Integrate different response functions such as technical, managerial, financial, policy,
etc.
Greater local ownership & responsibilities / participation through a consultative
approach
The Integrated Solid Waste Management concept as per definition involves the entire life‐cycle
process from generation to disposal of varied waste streams. This issue not just involves different
sources of waste generation but also diversities in terms of waste characteristics, involved stakeholders
and required technological know‐how. In order to deal with this complex issue, for arriving
at an optimal solution a number of difficult choices will have to be made. Prediction of waste
generation and characterization is crucial for developing a robust waste management plan.
However, these parameters being a function of several factors, the prediction has to be done
following the scenario building approach. A plan for managing diverse streams needs a flexible
approach involving varied organizations and stake‐holders and generating alternatives based on
participatory approach.
The scenario based approach; participatory framework and analysis of alternatives to come up
with a robust alternative are some of the key principles enshrined in the Strategic Planning (SP)
Process. Hence this process can be adopted as the basis for developing the ISWM Plan. The SP
process focuses more on adaptability to change, flexibility and importance of strategic thinking and
organizational learning. Further, SP is a continuous process and not a one‐time or quantum activity.
The process should begin with a situation analysis, i.e. an assessment of the internal as well as
external environment. During this process, the existing situation has to be carefully evaluated to find
out if the organization is on track towards meeting its goal and vision. If no goals/objectives have
previously been set then the new goals / objectives should be set and the SP process has to be
geared towards achieving targets under each objective.
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