Strategic Action Plan - International Environmental Technology Centre

Strategic Action Plan Report
This results in improper collection from certain areas leading to putrefaction of waste in the bins and
unpleasant conditions in the surrounding region.
In order to improvise the efficiency of waste collection, it becomes necessary to explore the possibilities of
route optimization and network analysis. Fleet management of collection vehicles is one of the key
components in achieving an overall efficient solid waste management process. The implementation of
advanced spatial tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) teamed up with Global Positioning
Systems (GPS) can work as an effective methodology for monitoring and tracking of fleet movement. The
use of GPS for tracking solid waste transportation vehicles is currently being applied in various Indian cities
such as Mumbai and Surat. The efficient collection mechanisms have benefits not only in terms of avoidance
in waste degradation but also overall improvement in waste treatment technologies. The efficient vehicle
management has also several other positive implications in terms of reduction of green house gas (GHG)
emissions resulting from burning of fossil fuels.
5.1.2 Sorting Technologies
Municipal Solid Waste is one of the most complex forms of waste owing to the large range of materials falling
under its purview. The key issue in treatment of MSW arises due to the high variance in the characteristics
and type of the waste. Successful implementation and functioning of the waste technologies is thus a function
of the extent of sorting of Municipal Solid Waste.
As discussed in Chapter 3, the sorting of waste is typically carried out by the informal sector at various
stages. House-hold segregation of waste although being promoted by PMC is actually being practiced only at
a few select locations. Owing to the lack of co-ordination between the formal and the informal sector and the
absence of any set guidelines for the safe and efficient sorting of waste, this still remains a major issue in the
context of Pune city. Space and resource constraints force the informal sector to work in smaller groups and
under unsafe and unhygienic conditions to undertake the sorting operation. This further aggravates the
problem of waste littering and contamination.
A centralized sorting centre, dedicated for the purposes of waste sorting and segregation can hence be
thought of as a potential option for this problem.
5.1.3 Recovery and Reuse Technologies
Pune generates around 1093 MT of Municipal Solid Waste per day, of which 710 MT is wet waste whereas
382 MT is dry waste. Most of the recovery and reuse technologies are related to dry waste. The recovery,
reuse and recycling of dry waste is currently being handled by the informal sector. The rag-pickers are
involved in the overall collection, recycling and reuse of dry waste such as paper, plastics, metals and glass.
No guidelines are currently in place in order to streamline and institutionalize the overall recycling procedure.
The improper recycling methodologies can lead to severe occupational health and safety implications and
hence such practices need to curbed immediately. Unavailability of large space and technology constraints are
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