New pictures of our composting site
Monday, December 6, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Solid Waste India
Solid Waste
Solid Waste is defined as waste collected by, or on behalf of, municipalities. These solid waste generally originate from households, commerce and trade, small businesses, office buildings and institutions such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, etc. In some cases, solid waste from parks and gardens and street cleaning services are also included. There has been a substantial increase in generation of solid waste in developing countries, due to a rise in income of individuals leading to higher rates of consumption of electrical goods and increased packaging waste. The growing trend of urbanization of the population where there is a movement away from rural areas to urban areas, also tends to increase the per capita generation of waste since urban population tends to have higher income, higher consumption of goods and consequently, higher generation of waste compared to rural populations. However, increased urbanization of the population leads to a greater potential recycling since the population density is increased.
Solid Waste is defined as waste collected by, or on behalf of, municipalities. These solid waste generally originate from households, commerce and trade, small businesses, office buildings and institutions such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, etc. In some cases, solid waste from parks and gardens and street cleaning services are also included. There has been a substantial increase in generation of solid waste in developing countries, due to a rise in income of individuals leading to higher rates of consumption of electrical goods and increased packaging waste. The growing trend of urbanization of the population where there is a movement away from rural areas to urban areas, also tends to increase the per capita generation of waste since urban population tends to have higher income, higher consumption of goods and consequently, higher generation of waste compared to rural populations. However, increased urbanization of the population leads to a greater potential recycling since the population density is increased.
It has also been found that, households with younger children have been shown to produce more solid waste than house holds with older people (EOECD 2004). In crease in the population also leads to increase in per capita generation of waste, since increased population would mean an increase in the number of households which, in turn, increase waste generation.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Religion and Waste Management
I was very excited to hear in the news few days back that the durga puja celebrations this year will turn eco-friendly with clay and chalk idols with vegetable dyes on them so that they dissolve easily. There were also claims of pandals turning to solar and LED lighting. Some went over the top giving such eqipment for free (link)
But how much was actually done towards this is a pretty dismal story. Hordes of materials, flowers, frames, decorations and hundreds of idols were immersed in the Yamuna and Hindon rivers and their remnants lay scattered all around littering the whole area and bringing down the entire mood of the festivities..atleast for me.
I don't buy the practices in our religion where we pray and destroy our sacred things at the same time. Our rivers are sacred to us, then why do I have to see people especially stopping on the sides of bridges upon rivers and throwing their so called 'puja stuff' down the rivers. They don't realise that this very muck will come and haunt them in the coming years in the form of choked drains and rivers. They can take the pains of packing, transporting and stopping especially to throw their waste, but they can't walk down the street and throw the same in the municipal bins. Maybe by throwing in bins, they won't get the supposed benefits of their 'particular tradition'.
At major places I have seen the authorities put sites to throw the waste near rivers but haven't seen any use of that..maybe the authorities ought to mention an additional message something like-
'For your religious waste ONLY, try this fast-track way to get directly to the Gods-
Undersigned- All religious heads'
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
National Green Tribunal Launched
National Green Tribunal Launched:
India on Tuesday launched the National Green Tribunal, becoming the third nation in the world to have special courts for environmental issues. Former Supreme Court Judge Lokeshwar Singh Panta assumed charges as chairperson of the tribunal, which will have to begin with four regional benches that will function in the circuit mode.
With the tribunal coming into being, the national environmental appellate authority now ceases to exist and all the cases before it have transferred to the new body. The Tribunal was established by the National Green Tribunal Act passed by the parliament earlier this year.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
How to generate water from air
How to Generate Waster For Air
To remove water from a gas (e.g. air) and recover the water for use. (This is the reverse of the normal industrial gas dryer)
Step 3. To increase Drying, compress the air first to about 10 atoms or 50 atoms and cool the compressed gas. Both the compressing and cooling will cause the water to condense in a smaller apparatus.
To remove water from a gas (e.g. air) and recover the water for use. (This is the reverse of the normal industrial gas dryer)
Step 1
Step 2. To recover liquid water from the absorbent-
Step 3. To increase Drying, compress the air first to about 10 atoms or 50 atoms and cool the compressed gas. Both the compressing and cooling will cause the water to condense in a smaller apparatus.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Oil Spill Mumbai Coast
300 containers carrying oil and hazardous chemicals have fell into the arebian sea 10Km off the coast of Mumbai. The coast guard and vairous other government agancies are at work to contain the effects of the spill. So far about 50 tons of oil has leaked into the sea and fishermen have been asked to stay clear of the area.
Do you think the Indian Government will handle this spill as a serious environmental disaster or look at it as a economic windfall by tring to cover up the issue, levy heavy fines and extract monies from the two companies that own the ships.
Visit Back for the latest news on the Oil Spill.
Oil Spill Mumbai
New Delhi, India (CNN) -- The Indian Coast Guard was trying Monday to combat an oil spill off Mumbai in western Indian after two vessels collided, causing one to leak oil.
About 400 tons of furnace oil has spilled over five to six nautical miles in the sea, posing what Coast Guard Commandant S.S. Dasila called a "navigational hazard".
Helicopters have sprayed oil-dispersal chemicals as emergency officials monitor coastline and beaches.
Mumbai's port has also suspended operations, he said.
The Panamanian-flagged JNPT MSC Chitra vessel collided with a vessel from St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday. Because the Panamanian vessel became grounded, the incident caused an oil spill.
News From CNN Online.
About 400 tons of furnace oil has spilled over five to six nautical miles in the sea, posing what Coast Guard Commandant S.S. Dasila called a "navigational hazard".
Helicopters have sprayed oil-dispersal chemicals as emergency officials monitor coastline and beaches.
Mumbai's port has also suspended operations, he said.
The Panamanian-flagged JNPT MSC Chitra vessel collided with a vessel from St. Kitts and Nevis on Saturday. Because the Panamanian vessel became grounded, the incident caused an oil spill.
News From CNN Online.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Environmental Discrimination
Environmental Justice:
An important challenge today in the field of waste management is environmental justice. Environmental justice can be defined as “fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations, policies (US EPA). Minority population and low income population bear a disproportionate amount of adverse health and environmental effects.
Environmental justice and the right to a clean environment are related to the location of facilities. Today, it is very difficult to find a location for a new waste treatment plant. Citizen groups are established to demonstrate against attempts to locate a facility in their neighbourhood. Those demonstrations and public opposition are often sufficiently strong to force the planners to make changes to the project. But successful opposition depends upon the capacity, time, number and competence of the complainants to pursue their interests.
One would tend to draw to a conclusion that higher income population are in a better position to mobilise the effort needed to participate actively in the public debate on the location of sites for waste facilities. In developing countries the lack of efficient waste planning, communication channels and site permission procedures and above all, more basic preoccupations may further increase the problem.
Occupational Health:
Occupational health is another social issue in context of sustainable development, which must be given sufficient attention. There is a risk of replacing a outside environmental problem by an internal environmental problem. The well documented traditional accidents and risks for waste collectors are replaced by new health ricks. Technical solution and changes in working routines have been introduced to reduce the risk of sharp and cutting waste and accidents connected to heavy lifting. But the changes in the waste management chain that were made to obtain sustainable waste management have not sufficiently taken into account the issue of occupational health.
The collection of a biodegradable fraction and its impact on the health of the waste collectors, for example, has not been sufficiently investigated. Another example is the working conditions at sorting plants, where for the whole or parts of the sorting process, manual sorting takes place. This problem is especially difficult as sorting facilities that receive household hazardous waste in dispersed quantities and often without proper labelling or indication of content.
A number of measures have been taken to minimize the risks and unpleasant working conditions, but the fact is that the effects on human health have not been sufficiently investigated. This issues is also directly related to the concept of environmental justice, as most of the jobs referred to above are low qualified and low paid jobs.
An important challenge today in the field of waste management is environmental justice. Environmental justice can be defined as “fair treatment for people of all races, cultures, and incomes, regarding the development of environmental laws, regulations, policies (US EPA). Minority population and low income population bear a disproportionate amount of adverse health and environmental effects.
Environmental justice and the right to a clean environment are related to the location of facilities. Today, it is very difficult to find a location for a new waste treatment plant. Citizen groups are established to demonstrate against attempts to locate a facility in their neighbourhood. Those demonstrations and public opposition are often sufficiently strong to force the planners to make changes to the project. But successful opposition depends upon the capacity, time, number and competence of the complainants to pursue their interests.
One would tend to draw to a conclusion that higher income population are in a better position to mobilise the effort needed to participate actively in the public debate on the location of sites for waste facilities. In developing countries the lack of efficient waste planning, communication channels and site permission procedures and above all, more basic preoccupations may further increase the problem.
Occupational Health:
Occupational health is another social issue in context of sustainable development, which must be given sufficient attention. There is a risk of replacing a outside environmental problem by an internal environmental problem. The well documented traditional accidents and risks for waste collectors are replaced by new health ricks. Technical solution and changes in working routines have been introduced to reduce the risk of sharp and cutting waste and accidents connected to heavy lifting. But the changes in the waste management chain that were made to obtain sustainable waste management have not sufficiently taken into account the issue of occupational health.
The collection of a biodegradable fraction and its impact on the health of the waste collectors, for example, has not been sufficiently investigated. Another example is the working conditions at sorting plants, where for the whole or parts of the sorting process, manual sorting takes place. This problem is especially difficult as sorting facilities that receive household hazardous waste in dispersed quantities and often without proper labelling or indication of content.
A number of measures have been taken to minimize the risks and unpleasant working conditions, but the fact is that the effects on human health have not been sufficiently investigated. This issues is also directly related to the concept of environmental justice, as most of the jobs referred to above are low qualified and low paid jobs.
E-Waste Management Rules
E Waste management rules have been created by the central government and CPCB of India. the following is a free download of the E Waste Management Rules:
E Waste Management Rules: Down Load Your Free E-Waste Rules Copy Here
This is a snap shot of the rules. Down Load Your Free copy Here!
4. Responsibilities of the producer – (1) In line with the principle of ‘Extended
Producer Responsibility’ (EPR), the producer of electrical or electronic equipments
shall be responsible for the e-waste generated from the ‘end of life’ of their products
and ensure that such e-wastes are handled without any adverse effects to human
health and the environment.
(2) In accordance with the principle of ‘Individual Producer Responsibility’ (IPR), the
producer of electrical or electronic equipment shall be responsible for its own
branded product, its own branded historical waste from the date these rules come
into force. The producer shall be responsible to finance, and organize a system to
meet the costs involved in the management of e-waste generated from the ‘end of
life’ of its own products. Such financing system shall be transparent.
(3) In case of historical wastes, the management of s uch wastes shall be a collective
responsibility of the producers through a consortium or an association of producers
and other concerned stakeholders. Every producer shall be responsible to finance
the recycling cost proportionate to their market share assessed annually. Such
financing system shall be transparent.
(4) The producer shall be responsible for:
(i) any waste generated during the manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment;
(ii) organizing an effective take back system for all used electrical and electronic
equipments which are no longer fit for its intended use.
(iii) authorizing dealers of electrical and electronic equipments to collect used
electrical and electronic equipments (e-waste).
(iv) facilita ting to set up collection centres either individually or collectively for the
collection of e-wastes;
(v) meeting the targets as per the guidelines published from time to time.
(vi) ensuring that all products are provided with a specific serial number or
individual identification code for tracking their product in the e-waste
management system.
(5) In order to fulfill the responsibilities mentioned in (1), (2) & (3) above the producer
or consortium of producers shall designate, individually or collectively, dealers,
collection centres, recyclers as deemed necessary.
6
(6) The producer shall create awareness through publications, information booklets
accompanying the equipment, advertisements, posters or by any other means with
regard to the following:
(i) information on hazardous constituents in e -waste;
(ii) information on hazards of improper handling, accidental breakage, damage
and/or improper recycling of e-waste;
(iii) instructions for handling the equipment after its use, along with the Do’s and
Don’ts;
(iv) affix the symbol given below on the products to prevent e-waste from being
dropped in garbage bins containing waste destined for disposal;
(v) information to consumers to return their used electrical and electronic
equipments only to the dealers or authorized collection centres; and
(vi) provide contact details such as address, telephone numbers/helpline number
and e-mail of dealers and authorized collection centres for the deposition of
the equipments after use;
(7) The producer shall submit an application for authorization in Form-1,
electronically to the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board or Committee
of UT as the case may be and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under
rule-11 of these rules;
(8) The producer shall maintain records of the e-waste handled in Form 2. These
may be maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(9) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board/Committee of UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of every
year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
(10) The producer shall provide the following information to Ministry of Environment
and Forests annually by 30th June for the financial year ending on 31st March of the
same year:
(a) sale of electronic and electrical equipments for the past five years;
(b) sale of used/refurbished electrical and electronic equipments; and
(c) collection of e -waste.
7
The information on (b) & (c) above shall also be made available on their
respective websites.
5. Responsibilities of dealers - (1) The dealers authorized by the producers shall
be responsible to collect the used electrical and electronic equipments (e-waste) by
providing the consumer(s) a box, bin or a demarcated area to deposit e-waste.
(2) The dealers shall ensure that the e-waste thus collected are safely transported
back to the producer or to authorized collection centre as the case may be.
(3) The dealers may give appropriate discount or levy appropriate cost for every
used electrical and electronic e quipment (e-waste) returned by the consumer.
6. Responsibilities of authorized collection centres – (1) Any person(s) setting
up such collection centre(s) shall submit an application for authorization in Form-1, to
the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board or Committee of UT as the
case may be and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under Rule -11 of
these rules. The contact details such as address, telephone numbers/helpline
number and e-mail of the collection centre shall be provided to the general public.
(2) The person(s) operating collection centre(s), individually or collectively shall
ensure:
(i) that the e-waste collected by them are stored in a secured manner till these
are sent to the producer, authorized dismantlers or registered recyclers;
(ii) the e-waste thus collected are sent to the producer, authorized dismantlers
or registered recyclers as the case may be;
(iii) safe transportation of the e-waste; and
(iv) that no damage is caused to the environment during storage and
transportation of e-waste; and
(3) The person(s) operating the authorized collection centre shall maintain records of
the e-waste handled in Form 2. These may be maintained in electronic format and
should be available for scrutiny by the appropriate authority.
7. Responsibilities of consumer or bulk consumer. – (1) Consumers or bulk
consumers using electrical and electronic equipments shall ensure that used
electrical and electronic equipments (e -waste) which are not fit for the intended use
are deposited with the dealer or authorized collection in order to be sent to the
authorized dismantler or registered recycler.
(2) The bulk consumers are permitted to auction e-waste only to authorized
collection centres or authorized dismantler or registered recyclers or avail the pickup/
take back services provided by the producers; and
(3) The bulk consumers shall maintain records in Form 2. These may be maintained
in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the appropriate authority.
8
8. Responsibilities of dismantler - (1) Every dismantler shall submit an application
for authorization in Form-1, electronically to the Member Secretary, State Pollution
Control Board or Committee of the UT as the case may be and in accordance with
the procedures prescribed under rule-11 of these rules.
(2) Every person engaged in dismantling e-waste shall ensure that:-
(i) no damage is caused to the environment during storage and
transportation and dismantling of e-waste;
(ii) the dismantling processes do not have any adverse effect on health
and environment;
(iii) the facility and dismantling processes are in accordance with the
standards laid down in the guidelines published by the Central Pollution
Control Board from time to time; and
(iv) the dismantled e-waste are segregated and sent to the registered
recycling facilities for recovery of materials;
(3) The dismantler shall not process any e-waste for recovery and/or refining of
materials.
(4) Every dismantler shall maintain records of the e-waste handled in Form 2. These
may be maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(5) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board/Committee of UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of every
year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
9. Responsibilities of recycler – (1) Every person desirous of recycling e-waste
shall submit an application for registration as a recycler in Form-4 to the Member
Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board in accordance with the procedures
prescribed under rule-12 of these rules;
(2) The registered recycler shall:-
(i) ensure strict compliance of the terms and conditions of registration;
(ii) ensure that the facility and recycling processes are in accordance with the
standards laid down in the guidelines published by the Central Pollution
Control Board from time to time;
(iii) make available all records to the Central or State Pollution Control Board/
Committee of UT for inspection;
(iv) ensure that residue generated thereof is disposed of in a hazardous waste
Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (TSDF); and
(v) conduct a Third Party Audit of the facility once every two years by auditors
empanelled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and make the report
public.
9
(3) The registered recycler shall maintain records in Form 2. These may be
maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(4) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board or Committee of the UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of
every year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
(5) The registered recyclers shall facilitate creation of public awareness through
advertisements, publications, posters or others on:
(i) the obligation of all consumers to return used electrical and electronic
equipments only to the authorized dealers or authorized collection centres;
(ii) the environmentally sound recycling of e-waste including the benefits of
such recycling; and
(iii) the environmental and health hazards of improper recycling of e-waste.
10. Responsibilities of the Designated Authorities - (1) Nodal Authority – A
nodal authority shall be constituted under the Ministry of Environment & Forests that
shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules. This authority shall
periodically review the enforcement of these rules at the national level.
(2) Regional Authority – (i) Regional authorities shall be constituted under each of
the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment & Forests to oversee the e-waste
management in the region and resolve any issues relating to smooth functioning of
the collection, storage, dismantling and recycling of e-waste.
(ii) The regional authority shall be constituted under the chairmanship of an officer of
the level of Director or above in the Environment Division of the Regional Office. The
committee shall include representatives from other concerned state government
departments, State Pollution Control Board or Committee of UT, industry
associations, technical experts, NGOs with experience in the area of e-waste and
others as deemed fit.
(3) Responsibilities of various Authorities - The responsibilities of the various
authorities are given in Schedule 2 of these rules.
E Waste Management Rules: Down Load Your Free E-Waste Rules Copy Here
This is a snap shot of the rules. Down Load Your Free copy Here!
4. Responsibilities of the producer – (1) In line with the principle of ‘Extended
Producer Responsibility’ (EPR), the producer of electrical or electronic equipments
shall be responsible for the e-waste generated from the ‘end of life’ of their products
and ensure that such e-wastes are handled without any adverse effects to human
health and the environment.
(2) In accordance with the principle of ‘Individual Producer Responsibility’ (IPR), the
producer of electrical or electronic equipment shall be responsible for its own
branded product, its own branded historical waste from the date these rules come
into force. The producer shall be responsible to finance, and organize a system to
meet the costs involved in the management of e-waste generated from the ‘end of
life’ of its own products. Such financing system shall be transparent.
(3) In case of historical wastes, the management of s uch wastes shall be a collective
responsibility of the producers through a consortium or an association of producers
and other concerned stakeholders. Every producer shall be responsible to finance
the recycling cost proportionate to their market share assessed annually. Such
financing system shall be transparent.
(4) The producer shall be responsible for:
(i) any waste generated during the manufacture of electrical and electronic
equipment;
(ii) organizing an effective take back system for all used electrical and electronic
equipments which are no longer fit for its intended use.
(iii) authorizing dealers of electrical and electronic equipments to collect used
electrical and electronic equipments (e-waste).
(iv) facilita ting to set up collection centres either individually or collectively for the
collection of e-wastes;
(v) meeting the targets as per the guidelines published from time to time.
(vi) ensuring that all products are provided with a specific serial number or
individual identification code for tracking their product in the e-waste
management system.
(5) In order to fulfill the responsibilities mentioned in (1), (2) & (3) above the producer
or consortium of producers shall designate, individually or collectively, dealers,
collection centres, recyclers as deemed necessary.
6
(6) The producer shall create awareness through publications, information booklets
accompanying the equipment, advertisements, posters or by any other means with
regard to the following:
(i) information on hazardous constituents in e -waste;
(ii) information on hazards of improper handling, accidental breakage, damage
and/or improper recycling of e-waste;
(iii) instructions for handling the equipment after its use, along with the Do’s and
Don’ts;
(iv) affix the symbol given below on the products to prevent e-waste from being
dropped in garbage bins containing waste destined for disposal;
(v) information to consumers to return their used electrical and electronic
equipments only to the dealers or authorized collection centres; and
(vi) provide contact details such as address, telephone numbers/helpline number
and e-mail of dealers and authorized collection centres for the deposition of
the equipments after use;
(7) The producer shall submit an application for authorization in Form-1,
electronically to the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board or Committee
of UT as the case may be and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under
rule-11 of these rules;
(8) The producer shall maintain records of the e-waste handled in Form 2. These
may be maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(9) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board/Committee of UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of every
year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
(10) The producer shall provide the following information to Ministry of Environment
and Forests annually by 30th June for the financial year ending on 31st March of the
same year:
(a) sale of electronic and electrical equipments for the past five years;
(b) sale of used/refurbished electrical and electronic equipments; and
(c) collection of e -waste.
7
The information on (b) & (c) above shall also be made available on their
respective websites.
5. Responsibilities of dealers - (1) The dealers authorized by the producers shall
be responsible to collect the used electrical and electronic equipments (e-waste) by
providing the consumer(s) a box, bin or a demarcated area to deposit e-waste.
(2) The dealers shall ensure that the e-waste thus collected are safely transported
back to the producer or to authorized collection centre as the case may be.
(3) The dealers may give appropriate discount or levy appropriate cost for every
used electrical and electronic e quipment (e-waste) returned by the consumer.
6. Responsibilities of authorized collection centres – (1) Any person(s) setting
up such collection centre(s) shall submit an application for authorization in Form-1, to
the Member Secretary, State Pollution Control Board or Committee of UT as the
case may be and in accordance with the procedures prescribed under Rule -11 of
these rules. The contact details such as address, telephone numbers/helpline
number and e-mail of the collection centre shall be provided to the general public.
(2) The person(s) operating collection centre(s), individually or collectively shall
ensure:
(i) that the e-waste collected by them are stored in a secured manner till these
are sent to the producer, authorized dismantlers or registered recyclers;
(ii) the e-waste thus collected are sent to the producer, authorized dismantlers
or registered recyclers as the case may be;
(iii) safe transportation of the e-waste; and
(iv) that no damage is caused to the environment during storage and
transportation of e-waste; and
(3) The person(s) operating the authorized collection centre shall maintain records of
the e-waste handled in Form 2. These may be maintained in electronic format and
should be available for scrutiny by the appropriate authority.
7. Responsibilities of consumer or bulk consumer. – (1) Consumers or bulk
consumers using electrical and electronic equipments shall ensure that used
electrical and electronic equipments (e -waste) which are not fit for the intended use
are deposited with the dealer or authorized collection in order to be sent to the
authorized dismantler or registered recycler.
(2) The bulk consumers are permitted to auction e-waste only to authorized
collection centres or authorized dismantler or registered recyclers or avail the pickup/
take back services provided by the producers; and
(3) The bulk consumers shall maintain records in Form 2. These may be maintained
in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the appropriate authority.
8
8. Responsibilities of dismantler - (1) Every dismantler shall submit an application
for authorization in Form-1, electronically to the Member Secretary, State Pollution
Control Board or Committee of the UT as the case may be and in accordance with
the procedures prescribed under rule-11 of these rules.
(2) Every person engaged in dismantling e-waste shall ensure that:-
(i) no damage is caused to the environment during storage and
transportation and dismantling of e-waste;
(ii) the dismantling processes do not have any adverse effect on health
and environment;
(iii) the facility and dismantling processes are in accordance with the
standards laid down in the guidelines published by the Central Pollution
Control Board from time to time; and
(iv) the dismantled e-waste are segregated and sent to the registered
recycling facilities for recovery of materials;
(3) The dismantler shall not process any e-waste for recovery and/or refining of
materials.
(4) Every dismantler shall maintain records of the e-waste handled in Form 2. These
may be maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(5) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board/Committee of UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of every
year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
9. Responsibilities of recycler – (1) Every person desirous of recycling e-waste
shall submit an application for registration as a recycler in Form-4 to the Member
Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board in accordance with the procedures
prescribed under rule-12 of these rules;
(2) The registered recycler shall:-
(i) ensure strict compliance of the terms and conditions of registration;
(ii) ensure that the facility and recycling processes are in accordance with the
standards laid down in the guidelines published by the Central Pollution
Control Board from time to time;
(iii) make available all records to the Central or State Pollution Control Board/
Committee of UT for inspection;
(iv) ensure that residue generated thereof is disposed of in a hazardous waste
Treatment Storage Disposal Facility (TSDF); and
(v) conduct a Third Party Audit of the facility once every two years by auditors
empanelled by the Ministry of Environment and Forests and make the report
public.
9
(3) The registered recycler shall maintain records in Form 2. These may be
maintained in electronic format and should be available for scrutiny by the
appropriate authority.
(4) The annual returns shall be filed in Form 3, electronically, to the State Pollution
Control Board or Committee of the UT as the case may be, on or before 30th June of
every year for the financial year ending on 31st March of the same year.
(5) The registered recyclers shall facilitate creation of public awareness through
advertisements, publications, posters or others on:
(i) the obligation of all consumers to return used electrical and electronic
equipments only to the authorized dealers or authorized collection centres;
(ii) the environmentally sound recycling of e-waste including the benefits of
such recycling; and
(iii) the environmental and health hazards of improper recycling of e-waste.
10. Responsibilities of the Designated Authorities - (1) Nodal Authority – A
nodal authority shall be constituted under the Ministry of Environment & Forests that
shall be responsible for the enforcement of these rules. This authority shall
periodically review the enforcement of these rules at the national level.
(2) Regional Authority – (i) Regional authorities shall be constituted under each of
the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Environment & Forests to oversee the e-waste
management in the region and resolve any issues relating to smooth functioning of
the collection, storage, dismantling and recycling of e-waste.
(ii) The regional authority shall be constituted under the chairmanship of an officer of
the level of Director or above in the Environment Division of the Regional Office. The
committee shall include representatives from other concerned state government
departments, State Pollution Control Board or Committee of UT, industry
associations, technical experts, NGOs with experience in the area of e-waste and
others as deemed fit.
(3) Responsibilities of various Authorities - The responsibilities of the various
authorities are given in Schedule 2 of these rules.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The informal waste sector
The Informal Waste Sector: 90% of the waste in India, is collected by the Informal Waste sector. The following Article Explains how the Informal Sector works:
The Informal Waste Sector in developing Countries:
Developing countries have various methods to recover recyclable material from the solid waste stream. In some cases local industries are strongly dependant on availability of recyclable materials for re processing. Some of these materials include cardboard, various paper products, different types of plastics and metals.
Most methods used to recover recyclable materials are inefficient and disregard the basis principals of occupational health and safety. These methods cause significant environmental and health problems, especially when collecting certain materials such as batteries from home or waste from hospitals. The recent episode where a scrap dealer bought radio active material from a Delhi University services as a strong example.
In large cities with large residential dwellings where high – mid income groups live, the waste collector typically sort through the waste and remove recyclables before the municipality vehicle arrive for collection from road side bins or in most cases dumps. The most common types of materials that are recovered are, cardboard, paper, plastic and aluminium cans. In areas where there is a high volume of recyclable materials, waste is stored at a specific location and later collected by commercial trucks.
As door to door collection is usually undertaken by the informal sector, which has little or no use of organic waste, in many places waste is segregated when it is collected from source. The organic waste left over is then disposed off at the side of road or in a road side dumps. This waste which still holds a high degree of recyclables that do not demand a hight market price and some materials that were over looked by the waste collector is collected and dumped at the dumping ground owned by the city or municipality.
Most dumping grounds, such as the one in Gazipur (Delhi) attract hundreds if not thousands of individuals (referred as rag pickers) for recovery of a Varity of recyclable material for sale. Most of these individuals live near or on the disposal site. This makes it easy for them to stock their goods, and have their family (in most cases young children) participate in the segregation activities. These individuals work under conditions that pose a grave risk to their health and wellbeing.
As the quantum of waste grows, it is becoming increasingly challenging for municipalities to deal with MSW in an effective and efficient way. Challenges such as allocating land for a scientific landfill sites, source segregation of waste at the house hold level, treatment of organic waste and the inclusion of the informal sector in the process of defining stringent waste management policies and procedures has become imperative.
The Informal Waste Sector in developing Countries:
Developing countries have various methods to recover recyclable material from the solid waste stream. In some cases local industries are strongly dependant on availability of recyclable materials for re processing. Some of these materials include cardboard, various paper products, different types of plastics and metals.
Most methods used to recover recyclable materials are inefficient and disregard the basis principals of occupational health and safety. These methods cause significant environmental and health problems, especially when collecting certain materials such as batteries from home or waste from hospitals. The recent episode where a scrap dealer bought radio active material from a Delhi University services as a strong example.
In large cities with large residential dwellings where high – mid income groups live, the waste collector typically sort through the waste and remove recyclables before the municipality vehicle arrive for collection from road side bins or in most cases dumps. The most common types of materials that are recovered are, cardboard, paper, plastic and aluminium cans. In areas where there is a high volume of recyclable materials, waste is stored at a specific location and later collected by commercial trucks.
As door to door collection is usually undertaken by the informal sector, which has little or no use of organic waste, in many places waste is segregated when it is collected from source. The organic waste left over is then disposed off at the side of road or in a road side dumps. This waste which still holds a high degree of recyclables that do not demand a hight market price and some materials that were over looked by the waste collector is collected and dumped at the dumping ground owned by the city or municipality.
Most dumping grounds, such as the one in Gazipur (Delhi) attract hundreds if not thousands of individuals (referred as rag pickers) for recovery of a Varity of recyclable material for sale. Most of these individuals live near or on the disposal site. This makes it easy for them to stock their goods, and have their family (in most cases young children) participate in the segregation activities. These individuals work under conditions that pose a grave risk to their health and wellbeing.
As the quantum of waste grows, it is becoming increasingly challenging for municipalities to deal with MSW in an effective and efficient way. Challenges such as allocating land for a scientific landfill sites, source segregation of waste at the house hold level, treatment of organic waste and the inclusion of the informal sector in the process of defining stringent waste management policies and procedures has become imperative.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Waste Management in Asia
Waste Management In Asia
Waste Management in Asia: Two decades of solid economic growth have added to the problems of waste management in most Asian countries. Estimates provided by ministry of environment, government of Japan (2006) on waste management in Asia estimate that Asia generated more than 3 billion Tons of solid waste in the year 2000 and the figure will most likely go up to 9 billion tons by 2050. The environment program of the United Nations has estimated that waste generation in East Asia and the Pacific region has been increasing at the rate of 3%-7% on a yearly basis.
The increase in volume of waste generated by Asian countries pose an immense challenge to the welfare and growth of countries located in this region. According to an article on waste management in developing Asia by Amit Ray (Indian Economic Service, New Delhi) and the data from the Basel convention most Asian countries (Excluding Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea) will see significant rise in per capita waste generation.
The two growth pillars of the Asian Continent, India and China with their huge population and every growing demand for consumer goods require immediate attention. China is already the world’s biggest municipal waste generator. China generated about 190 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2004 and expected to reach480 million tons by 2030 (World Bank 2005). The more important aspect of this is that the composition of waste has shifted towards plastic and paper.
The volume of waste in India is on the rise at an alarming rate. Economic growth and increased purchasing power means that the people are consuming more and generating more waste. Large cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai generate up wards of 10000 tons of waste daily. It is estimated that by 2030, India will generate more than 125000 tons of waste on a yearly basis.
The fastest growing component in the waste stream is e-waste. E-waste contains toxics such as lead, cadmium, mercury. These elements can contaminate the underground water table over time by leaching into the ground and have an adverse effect on communities located nearby. The total e-waste generated in India excluding the items that are imported is estimated to be 146180 tons (2005 Figure). There are over 25000 people employed by scrap yards in Delhi, where 10000-20000 tons of e-waste is handled every year (2005 Figures).
The major challenge is that waste management in most Asian countries is undertaken by the informal sector, mostly comprising of waste pickers (Referred as rag pickers in India) and middle men or waste traders. Most industries and house holds dump their waste into open fields and scientific landfill sites are rare to come by. Countries like India have come up with MSW rule 2000. A document prepared by the ministry of forest and environment India. These rules are applicable to all states and regions in India and the central government expects local government and municipalities to insure that the rules are followed in their respected regions. Various other issues at local municipalities and governing bodies, such as lack of resources (or wrong allocation of resources), lack of proper institutional institutes, social and cultural stigmas relating to the field of waste management, and a general lack of knowledge and awareness are only adding to the challenge.
Urgent steps are needed to establish an integrated or umbrella model of waste management on a domestic level in various Asian countries. Strengthening and enforcing environmental standards, making polluters pay, legislating environmental laws and creating an all inclusive policy framework are just some on the many requirements that need immediate attention.
Tell Us What You Think About Waste Management In India
Waste Management in Asia: Two decades of solid economic growth have added to the problems of waste management in most Asian countries. Estimates provided by ministry of environment, government of Japan (2006) on waste management in Asia estimate that Asia generated more than 3 billion Tons of solid waste in the year 2000 and the figure will most likely go up to 9 billion tons by 2050. The environment program of the United Nations has estimated that waste generation in East Asia and the Pacific region has been increasing at the rate of 3%-7% on a yearly basis.
The increase in volume of waste generated by Asian countries pose an immense challenge to the welfare and growth of countries located in this region. According to an article on waste management in developing Asia by Amit Ray (Indian Economic Service, New Delhi) and the data from the Basel convention most Asian countries (Excluding Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea) will see significant rise in per capita waste generation.
The two growth pillars of the Asian Continent, India and China with their huge population and every growing demand for consumer goods require immediate attention. China is already the world’s biggest municipal waste generator. China generated about 190 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2004 and expected to reach480 million tons by 2030 (World Bank 2005). The more important aspect of this is that the composition of waste has shifted towards plastic and paper.
The volume of waste in India is on the rise at an alarming rate. Economic growth and increased purchasing power means that the people are consuming more and generating more waste. Large cities of India such as Delhi, Mumbai generate up wards of 10000 tons of waste daily. It is estimated that by 2030, India will generate more than 125000 tons of waste on a yearly basis.
The fastest growing component in the waste stream is e-waste. E-waste contains toxics such as lead, cadmium, mercury. These elements can contaminate the underground water table over time by leaching into the ground and have an adverse effect on communities located nearby. The total e-waste generated in India excluding the items that are imported is estimated to be 146180 tons (2005 Figure). There are over 25000 people employed by scrap yards in Delhi, where 10000-20000 tons of e-waste is handled every year (2005 Figures).
The major challenge is that waste management in most Asian countries is undertaken by the informal sector, mostly comprising of waste pickers (Referred as rag pickers in India) and middle men or waste traders. Most industries and house holds dump their waste into open fields and scientific landfill sites are rare to come by. Countries like India have come up with MSW rule 2000. A document prepared by the ministry of forest and environment India. These rules are applicable to all states and regions in India and the central government expects local government and municipalities to insure that the rules are followed in their respected regions. Various other issues at local municipalities and governing bodies, such as lack of resources (or wrong allocation of resources), lack of proper institutional institutes, social and cultural stigmas relating to the field of waste management, and a general lack of knowledge and awareness are only adding to the challenge.
Urgent steps are needed to establish an integrated or umbrella model of waste management on a domestic level in various Asian countries. Strengthening and enforcing environmental standards, making polluters pay, legislating environmental laws and creating an all inclusive policy framework are just some on the many requirements that need immediate attention.
Tell Us What You Think About Waste Management In India
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Plastic Boat Travels The World
Imagine a plastic catamaran made out of 12500 plastic bottles! Well the Plastiki catamaran, brainchild of an heir to Britain's Rothschild banking fortune has just completed a 15,000 Km Journey.
The Plastiki set of form San Francisco in March with a crew of six people travelled through a waste strewn area of the North Pacific and stopped in the line Island, Western Samoa and New Caledonia before leaving for Australia.
According to the United Nations Environment Program more than 15,000 pieces of debris litter every square kilometre of the world's oceans, and another 6.4 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into seas each year.
After reading the report by The United Nations report on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and the realization "there are just these amazing human fingerprints all over our oceans", de Rothschild hatched the idea of travelling the ocean in a plastic catamaran.
The Plastiki set of form San Francisco in March with a crew of six people travelled through a waste strewn area of the North Pacific and stopped in the line Island, Western Samoa and New Caledonia before leaving for Australia.
According to the United Nations Environment Program more than 15,000 pieces of debris litter every square kilometre of the world's oceans, and another 6.4 million tonnes of plastic is dumped into seas each year.
After reading the report by The United Nations report on marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and the realization "there are just these amazing human fingerprints all over our oceans", de Rothschild hatched the idea of travelling the ocean in a plastic catamaran.
Technological options for Recycling and Disposal of Plastic Waste
For a long time I have been looking for different methods to deal with plastic waste and this article lists some important ones. These days there are a whole lot of options available –big and small, which can be implemented at micro and macro levels anywhere. In India, a hierarchy is followed wherein ragpickers from the lowest level collect and sell recyclables to dealers who sell it to wholesalers and recyclers. Large scale formal sector operations involve private collectors who sell directly to the recyclers.
To start with, we know how important it is to REDUCE the usage of plastic and daily we come across messages like ‘Say no to plastic bags’ or something similar. If we notice the bags we get from big retailers we’ll see that most of them they comply with the Indian government’s rules of using bags of thickness above 20 microns but the problem still lies with their responsible disposal. What use will be their thickness or quality if we still are in a habit of throwing them anywhere leading to the choking of roads and drains. The solution lies in adopting appropriate disposal techniques and segregating through colored litter bins. (Government notification relating to ‘Recycled plastics manufacture and usage Rules 1999’ and Amendment (2003) prohibiting usage of plastic carry bags to minimum of 20 micron thickness codification and marking of plastic products )
To move on the technological options to deal with plastic, here is a list of solutions being implemented in India and elsewhere-
1. Resource Recovery through environmentally sound and economically viable mechanical recycling into secondary raw materials for processing industry. In India, this is the major activity for plastic waste. (Refer)
2. Energy Recovery through thermal disintegration using plasma pyrolysis and incineration. (Refer1
Refer 2)
3. Zadgaonkar Model in India, to convert plastic into fuel (Refer)
4. Catalytic Pyrolysis- Again to convert Plastic into Crude oil through (Refer)
5. Construction of roads from plastic waste by blending with bitumen. (Refer)
6. Plastic waste used as reducing agent in blast furnaces and cement kilns. (Refer)
7. Composite plastics packaging waste turned into recycled boards.(Refer)
8. Reuse of used plastic carry bags into handicraft items (Refer)
9. Mechanical Recycling-by melting, shredding of granular plastic. (Refer)
Interesting reads:
To start with, we know how important it is to REDUCE the usage of plastic and daily we come across messages like ‘Say no to plastic bags’ or something similar. If we notice the bags we get from big retailers we’ll see that most of them they comply with the Indian government’s rules of using bags of thickness above 20 microns but the problem still lies with their responsible disposal. What use will be their thickness or quality if we still are in a habit of throwing them anywhere leading to the choking of roads and drains. The solution lies in adopting appropriate disposal techniques and segregating through colored litter bins. (Government notification relating to ‘Recycled plastics manufacture and usage Rules 1999’ and Amendment (2003) prohibiting usage of plastic carry bags to minimum of 20 micron thickness codification and marking of plastic products )
To move on the technological options to deal with plastic, here is a list of solutions being implemented in India and elsewhere-
1. Resource Recovery through environmentally sound and economically viable mechanical recycling into secondary raw materials for processing industry. In India, this is the major activity for plastic waste. (Refer)
2. Energy Recovery through thermal disintegration using plasma pyrolysis and incineration. (Refer1
Refer 2)
3. Zadgaonkar Model in India, to convert plastic into fuel (Refer)
4. Catalytic Pyrolysis- Again to convert Plastic into Crude oil through (Refer)
5. Construction of roads from plastic waste by blending with bitumen. (Refer)
6. Plastic waste used as reducing agent in blast furnaces and cement kilns. (Refer)
7. Composite plastics packaging waste turned into recycled boards.(Refer)
8. Reuse of used plastic carry bags into handicraft items (Refer)
9. Mechanical Recycling-by melting, shredding of granular plastic. (Refer)
Interesting reads:
- India Environment Portal
- Analysing plastic waste management India
- Worldwide Municipal Solid Waste Expenditure
Please comment on any other technology that you know and would like to share.
Bill Gates, Warren Buffet: Invest in Waste Management
Waste, Garbage, Trash, Refuse, these words don’t interest many people, but when you two of the wealthiest people on the planet with an acute sense of investment own shares in two of the biggest waste management companies in America; it certainly draws attention. According to an article on Barrons online, Bill Gates owns 15% of republics share and Warren Buffet has picked up 2.8%.
The Waste Management business is unique in many ways. Firstly it is not affected by the up’s and downs of the economy, after all people have to eat and drink and they need to dispose their waste requiring services of either private or public sector players. Secondly there will always be a demand for cheap raw materials (scrap paper, plastic, metal etc) to produce new goods for packaging or consumption in various industries such as the construction industry. Thirdly waste management services are something that you cannot do without. How long will you have your waste stockpiled in your house, what will you do to treat it, where will you dispose of it, these are just some of the reasons why the industry continues to grow and flourish.
Waste management in the developing countries is similar but relies much more on the sale of recyclables. Take for example India, where waste management is mostly unorganized and the industry is mostly informal.
There are a few private players, but majority of the collection, treatment and disposal is done by the informal sector which relies heavily on the sale of recyclables to generate an income. Bankers at most are unwilling to finance projects at the grass root level due to a lack of knowledge about the industry and its informal state. The government is limited to providing lip service and sending its officials abroad to study waste management procedures.
Waste management as a industry has tremendous potential, there are many investment opportunities that lie in this sector both here in India and abroad. We have only begun scratching the surface of the waste management industry in India to unleash its true potential. Let us hope that the decision makers start making tough decisions and put a practical plan in place to reform and bring investment to the industry.
The Waste Management business is unique in many ways. Firstly it is not affected by the up’s and downs of the economy, after all people have to eat and drink and they need to dispose their waste requiring services of either private or public sector players. Secondly there will always be a demand for cheap raw materials (scrap paper, plastic, metal etc) to produce new goods for packaging or consumption in various industries such as the construction industry. Thirdly waste management services are something that you cannot do without. How long will you have your waste stockpiled in your house, what will you do to treat it, where will you dispose of it, these are just some of the reasons why the industry continues to grow and flourish.
Waste management in the developing countries is similar but relies much more on the sale of recyclables. Take for example India, where waste management is mostly unorganized and the industry is mostly informal.
There are a few private players, but majority of the collection, treatment and disposal is done by the informal sector which relies heavily on the sale of recyclables to generate an income. Bankers at most are unwilling to finance projects at the grass root level due to a lack of knowledge about the industry and its informal state. The government is limited to providing lip service and sending its officials abroad to study waste management procedures.
Waste management as a industry has tremendous potential, there are many investment opportunities that lie in this sector both here in India and abroad. We have only begun scratching the surface of the waste management industry in India to unleash its true potential. Let us hope that the decision makers start making tough decisions and put a practical plan in place to reform and bring investment to the industry.
Monday, July 26, 2010
The Future of Recycling:
One the biggest barriers facing the waste management/recycling industry is that of trying to implement efficient recycling practices. The challenge that we face today is that most products are not designed with recycling in mind. Mr. William McDonough, the co-author of a book published in 2002 called “Cradle to Cradle: remaking the way we make things” and Micheal Braungart, his fellow author, together they lay out a vision for establishing “closed-loop” cycles where there is no waste. The authors argue that recycling should be taken into account at the design stage, and that all materials should be able to return to the soil safely or be recycled indefinitely.
The sustainable packaging coalition, a non-profit group that has developed guidelines looking beyond traditional benchmarks of packaging and design to emphasise the use of renewable, recycled and non-toxic source materials. This group was founded in 2003 with just nine members and today boosts over 100 members.
Packaging that is sustainable can cut cost along with benefiting the environment. The world’s biggest retailer Wal Mart announced that it wanted to reduce the amount of packaging material it uses by 5% by 2013, this intern could save the company $3.4 billion and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 667,000 tonnes. The company began to use a process called the “sandwich bail” to collect waste material at its store and distribution centres for recycling. The process involved putting a layer of cardboard at the bottom of the compactor before filling it with waste and then putting one at the top. The compactor then produces a sandwich, which is easier to handle and transport. By implementing this process wall mart is not only reducing waste disposal costs but also making money by selling waste at market prices.
The European parliament voted to increase recycling rates by 2020 to 50% of municipal waste and 70% of industrial waste. Recycling rates can be increased by charging households and industries more for producing more trash, and by reducing the frequency of trash collections while increasing that of recycling collection.
Number of cities and companies have adopted the zero waste police or zero waste targets. Matt Hale the director of America’s Environmental Protection Agency says that although this might be a little unrealistic, it is a worthy goal and can help companies manage their waste better. There is no doubt that recycling saves energy and raw materials, reduces pollution and overall has a positive impact on the environment. In the end waste is really a design flaw.
Need Help recycling Your Waste?
The sustainable packaging coalition, a non-profit group that has developed guidelines looking beyond traditional benchmarks of packaging and design to emphasise the use of renewable, recycled and non-toxic source materials. This group was founded in 2003 with just nine members and today boosts over 100 members.
Packaging that is sustainable can cut cost along with benefiting the environment. The world’s biggest retailer Wal Mart announced that it wanted to reduce the amount of packaging material it uses by 5% by 2013, this intern could save the company $3.4 billion and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions by 667,000 tonnes. The company began to use a process called the “sandwich bail” to collect waste material at its store and distribution centres for recycling. The process involved putting a layer of cardboard at the bottom of the compactor before filling it with waste and then putting one at the top. The compactor then produces a sandwich, which is easier to handle and transport. By implementing this process wall mart is not only reducing waste disposal costs but also making money by selling waste at market prices.
The European parliament voted to increase recycling rates by 2020 to 50% of municipal waste and 70% of industrial waste. Recycling rates can be increased by charging households and industries more for producing more trash, and by reducing the frequency of trash collections while increasing that of recycling collection.
Number of cities and companies have adopted the zero waste police or zero waste targets. Matt Hale the director of America’s Environmental Protection Agency says that although this might be a little unrealistic, it is a worthy goal and can help companies manage their waste better. There is no doubt that recycling saves energy and raw materials, reduces pollution and overall has a positive impact on the environment. In the end waste is really a design flaw.
Need Help recycling Your Waste?
Types of composting technologies
There are four different types of composting technologies, windrow, aerated static pile, and in- vessel composting.
1. Windrow Composting: Triangular piles of waste are created to allow diffusion of O2 and retention of heat. The piles are turned every two-three days using specific mechanical equipment or manually using equipment. This turning is done to let the pile of waste breathe for better decomposition. Insure that the pile is under a roof to prevent exposure to the rain, which can cause a run off.
2. Aerated static pile composting: Mechanical aeration of waste piles is done by placing them over a network of pipes connected to a blower, the blower supplies air for composting and hence creates a positives as well as a negative pressure. Air circulation provides oxygen and prevents heat build up. Optimum temperature and moisture are maintained for microbial action. As the piles are not turned during the process in order to get complete destruction of the pathogens, a layer of stabilized compost is placed over the pile to maintain the desired temperature. The retention time for completion of composting is 6-12 weeks.
3. In-vessel composting: This is a controlled process of composting where aeration, moisture, and temperature requirements for composting are maintained in a chamber or vessel. The time taken for composting is 1-4 weeks. The advantage of this system is that there is control of the environmental conditions for rapid composting as they occur inside a closed building, and the problems of malodour and leachate generation are minimal.
4. Vermi-composting: This is a process whereby food material, kitchen waste, vegetables, fruit peelings and paper can be converted into compost by natural action of worms. An aerobic condition is created by exposure of waste to air. Many western countries such as Canada, use this process to convert their organic waste to compost. Asian countries are now adopting this method for waste disposal. Thousands of species of earth worms such as Eisenia foetida and Eisenia Anderei, are actively involved in the decomposition of organic waste. Certain bio-chemical changes in the intestine of the worm result in excreation of cocoons and undigested food known as vermicasting, which is an excellent manure containing vitamins, enzymes, nitrates, phosphates, and potash.
Learn to make compost from kitchen waste at home.
1. Windrow Composting: Triangular piles of waste are created to allow diffusion of O2 and retention of heat. The piles are turned every two-three days using specific mechanical equipment or manually using equipment. This turning is done to let the pile of waste breathe for better decomposition. Insure that the pile is under a roof to prevent exposure to the rain, which can cause a run off.
2. Aerated static pile composting: Mechanical aeration of waste piles is done by placing them over a network of pipes connected to a blower, the blower supplies air for composting and hence creates a positives as well as a negative pressure. Air circulation provides oxygen and prevents heat build up. Optimum temperature and moisture are maintained for microbial action. As the piles are not turned during the process in order to get complete destruction of the pathogens, a layer of stabilized compost is placed over the pile to maintain the desired temperature. The retention time for completion of composting is 6-12 weeks.
3. In-vessel composting: This is a controlled process of composting where aeration, moisture, and temperature requirements for composting are maintained in a chamber or vessel. The time taken for composting is 1-4 weeks. The advantage of this system is that there is control of the environmental conditions for rapid composting as they occur inside a closed building, and the problems of malodour and leachate generation are minimal.
4. Vermi-composting: This is a process whereby food material, kitchen waste, vegetables, fruit peelings and paper can be converted into compost by natural action of worms. An aerobic condition is created by exposure of waste to air. Many western countries such as Canada, use this process to convert their organic waste to compost. Asian countries are now adopting this method for waste disposal. Thousands of species of earth worms such as Eisenia foetida and Eisenia Anderei, are actively involved in the decomposition of organic waste. Certain bio-chemical changes in the intestine of the worm result in excreation of cocoons and undigested food known as vermicasting, which is an excellent manure containing vitamins, enzymes, nitrates, phosphates, and potash.
Learn to make compost from kitchen waste at home.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Zero Waste management policy, what does it actually mean?
Zero Waste management policy, what does it actually mean?
I came across an interesting waste management article on Zero Waste policy and what it actually on wastersblog.com a great site for resource and information on waste management news. I was Shocked to learn that there is actually no definition for the word Zero Waste, it is actually a term that is coined by politicians as it fits their environmental and waste management agenda perfectly. The only way to define the term zero waste is to look at projects that claim to be working towards zero waste philosophy around the world.
According to a study by green alliance in 2006 “Zero Waste” or “No Waste” terms were meant to mean no un-recycled waste and not much more. Practically Zero Waste is tough task to achieve even with all the technologies that we have access to, yet it is a goal that many municipalities strive to achieve. It is in fact documented that municipalities that strive towards a zero waste policy have some of the highest recycling rates in the world.
A common feature in many zero waste policies is that of source separation of recyclables and many countries like Canada do put this law into practise rigorously. But what happens when you try and implement a zero waste management policy in a country like India, where there is no source segregation. Surprisingly the effect is reverse. In my experience, India boosts one of the highest rates of residential waste recycling in the world. On the flip side it also boosts the one of the poorest rates of collection, segregation and treatment of organic waste in the world.
Countries in the west and in Europe have a systemized and organized waste management industry and the zero waste policy is determined based on landfill and house hold charges. In India which does not have a single scientifically managed landfill and where majority of households do not pay for waste collection services the determining factor is the price of recyclables in the open market. Numerous households sell their recycling waste to local scrap dealers, and the left over recyclables in the waste are removed by rag-pickers or the local waste collector. Three different continents all working towards zero waste management practices. The difference is that waste management in India is unorganized, not regulated and there is little involvement of municipal bodies to in-force the law, recognize the unorganized sector for their involvement and make them part of the privatization drive.
As mentioned, achieving a Zero Waste target is an uphill task, but the desire for continuous improvement and working towards a zero waste community is the biggest lesson. Zero waste is a vision and continuous improvement has to be strived in reducing waste from source and by involving our political class to start making changes in the way that they operate.
Eco Wise Waste Management
I came across an interesting waste management article on Zero Waste policy and what it actually on wastersblog.com a great site for resource and information on waste management news. I was Shocked to learn that there is actually no definition for the word Zero Waste, it is actually a term that is coined by politicians as it fits their environmental and waste management agenda perfectly. The only way to define the term zero waste is to look at projects that claim to be working towards zero waste philosophy around the world.
According to a study by green alliance in 2006 “Zero Waste” or “No Waste” terms were meant to mean no un-recycled waste and not much more. Practically Zero Waste is tough task to achieve even with all the technologies that we have access to, yet it is a goal that many municipalities strive to achieve. It is in fact documented that municipalities that strive towards a zero waste policy have some of the highest recycling rates in the world.
A common feature in many zero waste policies is that of source separation of recyclables and many countries like Canada do put this law into practise rigorously. But what happens when you try and implement a zero waste management policy in a country like India, where there is no source segregation. Surprisingly the effect is reverse. In my experience, India boosts one of the highest rates of residential waste recycling in the world. On the flip side it also boosts the one of the poorest rates of collection, segregation and treatment of organic waste in the world.
Countries in the west and in Europe have a systemized and organized waste management industry and the zero waste policy is determined based on landfill and house hold charges. In India which does not have a single scientifically managed landfill and where majority of households do not pay for waste collection services the determining factor is the price of recyclables in the open market. Numerous households sell their recycling waste to local scrap dealers, and the left over recyclables in the waste are removed by rag-pickers or the local waste collector. Three different continents all working towards zero waste management practices. The difference is that waste management in India is unorganized, not regulated and there is little involvement of municipal bodies to in-force the law, recognize the unorganized sector for their involvement and make them part of the privatization drive.
As mentioned, achieving a Zero Waste target is an uphill task, but the desire for continuous improvement and working towards a zero waste community is the biggest lesson. Zero waste is a vision and continuous improvement has to be strived in reducing waste from source and by involving our political class to start making changes in the way that they operate.
Eco Wise Waste Management
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Recycle old toothbrushes
Preserve, which makes household products from recycled materials, has launching a new campaign to allow customers to mail back their toothbrushes for recycling.
The initiative is being launched with the help of consultancy firm Continuum, which helped Preserve roll out its "Gimme 5" #5 plastics recycling campaign at Whole Foods markets and other retailers.
In addition to the mail-back option for the toothbrushes, the product packaging was made lighter and now doubles as a mail back container when consumers are done with the toothbrush. Preserve recycles the toothbrushes into plastic building materials.
For more information on the company, which are available in grocery and natural food stores and retailers Whole Foods Market and Target, visit www.preserveproducts.com.
Waste recycling News
Monday, July 19, 2010
Converting Kitchen Waste To compost
Dowinload E-book: How Make Compost @ Home
Make a compost bin or purchase one. The compost bin does not have to be fancy and it can be any shape. The best size for compost bins tends to be five feet wide and four feet deep.
1. You should place your compost bin in a handy location. Place your bin in a sunny area, if you have to place your compost bin in a shady area, you may want to invest in a compost thermometer to ensure that your compost maintains the proper temperature -- which is around 140 degrees.
2. You should have a large pile of dirt beside your compost bin. This will keep you from having to carry dirt to the compost bin every time you need it.
3. Lay a foundation in your compost bin. The foundation can be made up of twelve inches of grass clippings, or two feet of dead garden leaves.
4. Add waste from your kitchen and garden as you accumulate it. Kitchen waste can include coffee grounds, egg shells, tea bags, potato skins, fruits and vegetables. Avoid putting any meat or grease products into your compost pile. This will only attract animals.
5. When you have a good layer of kitchen and garden waste on top of the foundation, you should then add fertilizer to the mix.
6. Next, add ½ cup of limestone.
7. Then, add a layer of garden soil. You should then have layers which consist of the foundation, kitchen and garden waste, fertilizer, lime, and garden soil.
8. You will then want to water down your compost pile. It is important that your compost pile is kept moist at all times.
9. Finally, it is time to turn the compost pile. This is the most important part of the entire process. You should turn your compost every fifteen days. This heats up the compost and kills off any bad organisms. The heat will also kill any weeds that may want to sprout in your compost. The most important thing the heat does is speed up the decaying process.
10. Continue to add kitchen and yard waste as they accumulate.
11. Follow up your layer of kitchen and yard waste with fertilizer, lime, soil and water.
12. Lastly, do not forget to turn your pile every fifteen days.
Waste Collection & Treatment
Friday, July 16, 2010
Waste Management Common Wealth Games
http://www.eco-wise.info/
There are precisely 79 days left for the common wealth games to start in India. The city seems like it has been ripped apart, with dug up path ways, road construction and construction debris spewed all over the city. A certain gentleman in charge of the commonwealth games in India has claimed that this will be the best games the world has ever seen. Well, two month to go and majority of the projects are running behind schedule, in fact the other day leading news daily reported that the roof of a stadium fell down due to heavy rain and poor water proofing.
Well all things said and done hope fully the city will come out looking better if not looking like a world class city. The major issue that we see is the mess that is created while the construction is going on. The construction waste dumped on side of roads, blocking the drains, dust polluting the already polluted air and large traffic jams caused due to debris taking up road space meant for vehicles. MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) claims that it has placed a world class waste management program in place for the games. The following is the action plan:
• In house vermicomposting for Organic waste
• Complete collection, segregation and disposal system
• Well connected to Government waste treatment facilities (for example construction waste being disposed by Municipal Corporation of Delhi at Gazhipur sanitary landfill)
All looks good on rosy. Three bullet points on the common wealth games site, showing commitment of the government to insure that our cities carbon foot print is minimized. The facts are that Delhi does not have a single waste treatment site that is operational. The fact is that Delhi relies on the unorganized sector and NGO’s to collect its waste. The Fact is that the Gazipur lanfill is not a sanitary landfill site but a mountain of garbage that has collected there over the years, due to unorganized dumping. The fact is that the city does not have a waste management plan in place till this date. Majority of plans are on paper, but there is little or no implementation of these plans and a few private contractors continue to collect and dump waste at the Gazipur dump site which is then scavenged by animals and humans alike.
If the city is not capable of removing construction debris from the streets of Delhi as of now, what would change the situation two months from now? We believe that for the time period of the games the city will hire the help of private contractors to dispose of the waste and then return to the old ways of doing things. There will be little or no treatment done, as vermi composting is not a suitable process for treating large quantities of waste. A model plant may be set up by the government to demonstrate their commitment towards making the games a green event, but this in our opinion this will only be a curtain to cover up the real issues.
The country is hosting the second biggest sporting event after the Olympics, and there is little or no excitement among the masses. In fact there is more excitement, created towards a international cricket match, or even the European football league in a country where football is hardly played. We need to start thinking about why the citizens and politicians of this country are not raising their voices against something so wrong and blatantly in your face. Let us all hope for a miracle so that these games can be one that are remembered as a memorable one and not a miserable one.
Waste Collection, Transportation, Treatment & Disposal System
There are precisely 79 days left for the common wealth games to start in India. The city seems like it has been ripped apart, with dug up path ways, road construction and construction debris spewed all over the city. A certain gentleman in charge of the commonwealth games in India has claimed that this will be the best games the world has ever seen. Well, two month to go and majority of the projects are running behind schedule, in fact the other day leading news daily reported that the roof of a stadium fell down due to heavy rain and poor water proofing.
Well all things said and done hope fully the city will come out looking better if not looking like a world class city. The major issue that we see is the mess that is created while the construction is going on. The construction waste dumped on side of roads, blocking the drains, dust polluting the already polluted air and large traffic jams caused due to debris taking up road space meant for vehicles. MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) claims that it has placed a world class waste management program in place for the games. The following is the action plan:
• In house vermicomposting for Organic waste
• Complete collection, segregation and disposal system
• Well connected to Government waste treatment facilities (for example construction waste being disposed by Municipal Corporation of Delhi at Gazhipur sanitary landfill)
All looks good on rosy. Three bullet points on the common wealth games site, showing commitment of the government to insure that our cities carbon foot print is minimized. The facts are that Delhi does not have a single waste treatment site that is operational. The fact is that Delhi relies on the unorganized sector and NGO’s to collect its waste. The Fact is that the Gazipur lanfill is not a sanitary landfill site but a mountain of garbage that has collected there over the years, due to unorganized dumping. The fact is that the city does not have a waste management plan in place till this date. Majority of plans are on paper, but there is little or no implementation of these plans and a few private contractors continue to collect and dump waste at the Gazipur dump site which is then scavenged by animals and humans alike.
If the city is not capable of removing construction debris from the streets of Delhi as of now, what would change the situation two months from now? We believe that for the time period of the games the city will hire the help of private contractors to dispose of the waste and then return to the old ways of doing things. There will be little or no treatment done, as vermi composting is not a suitable process for treating large quantities of waste. A model plant may be set up by the government to demonstrate their commitment towards making the games a green event, but this in our opinion this will only be a curtain to cover up the real issues.
The country is hosting the second biggest sporting event after the Olympics, and there is little or no excitement among the masses. In fact there is more excitement, created towards a international cricket match, or even the European football league in a country where football is hardly played. We need to start thinking about why the citizens and politicians of this country are not raising their voices against something so wrong and blatantly in your face. Let us all hope for a miracle so that these games can be one that are remembered as a memorable one and not a miserable one.
Waste Collection, Transportation, Treatment & Disposal System
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
How to Construct a Compost Bin
How to Construct a Compost Bin: The following article explains in detail how to construct a compost bin.
How to construct a compost bin: The instructions provided here are for constructing a compost bin in your back yard. A second bin can be attached as a two-bin system allows you to alternate your compost from year to year. A minimum cubic space of 3’x3’ is required from the process of compost to take place. Here are some instructions on how to construct a composting bin in your backyard.
Materials for one bin (double for two)
• 1 roll hardwire cloth 3/8” – 1/2" wide.
• 14 -1” x 5” wood (untreated) or plastic lumber; cut in 36” lengths.
• 4 – 4” x 4”wooden posts; cut in 42” lengths
• 8 – 2” x 2” lumber; cut in 42” lengths
• 4 – 2” x 2” lumber; cut in 25” lengths
• 4 – 2” x 2” lumber, cut in 17” lengths
• 4 – hook and eye hardware
• 4 – strap hinges, approx. 1” x 2”
• wood screws
Tools
• Work gloves
• Heavy-duty wire or tin snips
• Staple gun
• Hammer
• drill
Construction of bin
1. Locate site for compost bin. Prepare the area and clear out any material unneeded for construction.
2. Construct 2 wooden sides using 7 - 1” x 5”s for each side. Secure 1” x 5”s to the 4” square posts, leaving ½” gap between lumber.
3. Create 2 frame bases using 2” x 2”lumber; measuring 25” high x 42” long. Cut hardwire cloth and staple to frame.
4. Attach hardwire cloth frames to bottom of 4” square posts. Face the hardwire cloth on the inside before securing.
5. Attach strap hinges to upper edge of hardwire frame.
6. Create 2 top frames using 2” x 2” lumber, measuring 17” high x 42” long. Cut hard wire cloth and staple to frame.
7. Place frame (hardwire cloth facing 4” posts) on top of base hardwire frame and attach strap hinges to top frame.
8. Attach eye and hook hardware on top from frame and 4” Posts.
Note: An alternate to this is to wire 4 pallets together to make a square, stabilizing it with re-rod posts.
http://www.eco-wise.info/residential.html
How to construct a compost bin: The instructions provided here are for constructing a compost bin in your back yard. A second bin can be attached as a two-bin system allows you to alternate your compost from year to year. A minimum cubic space of 3’x3’ is required from the process of compost to take place. Here are some instructions on how to construct a composting bin in your backyard.
Materials for one bin (double for two)
• 1 roll hardwire cloth 3/8” – 1/2" wide.
• 14 -1” x 5” wood (untreated) or plastic lumber; cut in 36” lengths.
• 4 – 4” x 4”wooden posts; cut in 42” lengths
• 8 – 2” x 2” lumber; cut in 42” lengths
• 4 – 2” x 2” lumber; cut in 25” lengths
• 4 – 2” x 2” lumber, cut in 17” lengths
• 4 – hook and eye hardware
• 4 – strap hinges, approx. 1” x 2”
• wood screws
Tools
• Work gloves
• Heavy-duty wire or tin snips
• Staple gun
• Hammer
• drill
Construction of bin
1. Locate site for compost bin. Prepare the area and clear out any material unneeded for construction.
2. Construct 2 wooden sides using 7 - 1” x 5”s for each side. Secure 1” x 5”s to the 4” square posts, leaving ½” gap between lumber.
3. Create 2 frame bases using 2” x 2”lumber; measuring 25” high x 42” long. Cut hardwire cloth and staple to frame.
4. Attach hardwire cloth frames to bottom of 4” square posts. Face the hardwire cloth on the inside before securing.
5. Attach strap hinges to upper edge of hardwire frame.
6. Create 2 top frames using 2” x 2” lumber, measuring 17” high x 42” long. Cut hard wire cloth and staple to frame.
7. Place frame (hardwire cloth facing 4” posts) on top of base hardwire frame and attach strap hinges to top frame.
8. Attach eye and hook hardware on top from frame and 4” Posts.
Note: An alternate to this is to wire 4 pallets together to make a square, stabilizing it with re-rod posts.
http://www.eco-wise.info/residential.html
Monday, July 12, 2010
Waste reduction Starts At Home.
Waste reduction starts from home. It is a simple process that requires one individual in the house hold to take the initiative to segregate his waste into organic, recyclable, hazardous and electronic. The effort entails placing four small bins in which the categories of waste mentioned above are disposed off respectively. Your recyclables can all be mixed, in one container, but caution should be taken to discard organic waste, hazardous waste and e waste separately in different waste containers.
Most people use a bin liner to dispose off their waste as this insures that the process is not messy. In order to start reducing waste at source, bin liners should not be used to dispose of organic waste, this process only adds to ever growing challenge of managing waste. Organic waste can be disposed of without using a bin liner straight into the dustbin, and the dustbin can be cleaned after it has been emptied. This simple process will save you money and reduce your houses carbon footprint. Similarly when disposing paper wastes make sure that only the necessary paper waste is being disposed off. Paper can be used as rough paper for kids to scribble on or as a note pad elongating the life of the paper and again saving you money. Before disposing your electronic waste make sure that it is in a condition that it cannot be used or repaired. If you have no uses of it donate it to a library or to someone who needs it. When disposing hazardous waste such as batteries, insure that all life of the battery has been utilized, and buy batteries that are rechargeable.
An average Indian family generates about .5 kgs of waste on a daily basis. This waste is 60% organic, 20% recyclable and 20% inert in nature. Most households do not segregate their waste at home, as a result when the waste is disposed off it is mixed and contaminated requiring segregation to be done manually. Indian waste also contains a high level of moisture, mostly due to the large organic content and eating habits of the people. It is well know that the Indian waste management sector is unorganized in nature adding to the ever growing challenge of managing waste in India. Most individuals involved in the field have little knowledge of proper waste management practises and the collection process does not allow them to store waste in different compartments in their carts. It is also well know and documented that most organic waste in India is not treated and finds its way to the landfill site, hence it becomes imperative that we take steps to reduce waste generation of waste from our homes.
In our next article we will discuss how to convert your organic waste into compost at home.
Residental Waste Management
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Indian needs to change to be recognized as a truly world class country.
A few days of rains have left the streets of Delhi, filled with water and garbage. The infrastructure is not capable of handling even 6mm of rain spread over two days. The fact is that city drains are clogged with garbage and refuse are rarely cleaned. Every morning the dedicated workers of MCD sweep the cities dust and garbage off the road and into the open drains. Sanitation is one of the most pressing issues that the country as a whole faces today. The task is monumental in stature and the public will is confined mostly to lip service.
If India really wants to bring about productive change and up lift the quality of life for its populations, it will have to look beyond cosmetic face lifts and solve the real pressing issues on hand.
A. Lack of Education & common sense amongst the masses
B. Lack of education among politicians
C. Minimum educational criteria for becoming a politician (College Grad)
D. Enforcement of laws and regulations without bias towards the rich or powerful
E. Building a sense of pride in the people towards the country
F. Rule of the Iron hand. At least till a certain level of civility is achieved and people start acting in accordance with law.
The list is never ending, but these are some pressing issues without which the country will grow, but not excel. If we were to draw out a root cause of most of these issues or challenges, it would lead us to the fact that people are not educated enough to make an aware decision. Add to this the social and cultural stigma’s and pressures that govern a lot of decision making process, which again are caused due to a lack of education, we arrive at a complex mix of religion, cast, economic stature, social stature, determining the decisions that we make as a nation.
Coming back to the issue of sanitation, and keeping your city clean; this pressing issue has a direct correlation with education, awareness, the pride we take in our country and neighbourhood and with the government enforcing laws and regulations and the citizens following it.
The time has come that we as Indians start addressing these pressing issues collectively to secure our place as a truly world class country. The time has not only to voice our opinions but also to insure that action is taken. The time has come join hands and clean our country!
http://ecowise.net.in
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Litter Reduction Tips
2. Whenever possible, buy refillable or reusable containers. Avoid containers that can only be thrown away.
3. Bring your own bags when you shop and try to buy in bulk as often as possible.
4. Purchase durable goods of quality rather than disposable items. The cost may be higher initially, but in the long run you can save money. Get the longest warranty with the best repair service possible.
5. Be an informed buyer. Read consumer magazines and contact consumer organizations before making major purchases.
6. Dispose all of your Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) to an authorized vendor. Try to purchase cleaners that are less harmful to the environment.
7. Don't throw anything away that can be reused or repaired. Your trash could be someone else's treasure. Fabric scraps, books, sporting goods, toys and clothing are always needed by non-profits and can also be recycled.
8. Compost your food and yard waste. Up to ½ of your household waste is compostable. It's a simple way to reduce waste and produce a nutrient-rich conditioner for your lawn, garden and houseplants. Eco Wise has compostable bins available.
9. Recycle when you can't reduce or reuse. Eco Wise Waste Management’s recycling program accepts a wide range of materials.
Resedental Trash Removal Service
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Waste Management "What the f*** is that?
Waste up With Waste Management India!
Waste Management in India is still unorganized and looked down upon. Most individuals have no idea as what happens with waste once it is collected from their house or dumped at the local community dump site. In fact in our country the field of waste management is frowned upon, due to cultural and social beliefs.
I am speaking from experience here! I have had over four years of hard core, practical, grass root experience in the field of Waste management in India and have created a successful company Eco Wise Waste Management in this period. There have been a lot of cosmetic changes in India in the last five years, new roads, the metro, a new international airport topped off with a booming economy. Yet where ever we go there is, dust, garbage, construction debris, and litter! The question I ask myself is, why do we as people not care or make an effort to try and change things? After all we share the same space, breathe the same air and proudly call this country ours.
Consider this for a moment; you are walking down Lajpat Nagar in south Delhi munching on some Lay’s chips. You are now done with your chips and conveniently dispose the packaging on the street. Hey everyone is doing it, no one is going to stop you and you more so it does not affect you. But when you think about the thousands of people walking on the street doing the same thing that you did the effects are grave. We have got so used to acting without thinking that even urinating in open spaces in front of people brings little or no shame to us.
One of our national heroes Mahatma Ghandi once said cleanliness is next to godliness. Well there is a lot of godliness and a very little cleanliness prevalent in our country today. Many things are done in our country in the name of God, why not add cleaning the country to it! Next time you feel the urge to litter, or dump your garbage on the corner of the street, think of what you are teaching your children, think of what you are telling the people and visitors to our country (I don’t give a shit) and most of all think of yourself and the cause and effects of your actions.
Waste Management India
Waste Management in India is still unorganized and looked down upon. Most individuals have no idea as what happens with waste once it is collected from their house or dumped at the local community dump site. In fact in our country the field of waste management is frowned upon, due to cultural and social beliefs.
I am speaking from experience here! I have had over four years of hard core, practical, grass root experience in the field of Waste management in India and have created a successful company Eco Wise Waste Management in this period. There have been a lot of cosmetic changes in India in the last five years, new roads, the metro, a new international airport topped off with a booming economy. Yet where ever we go there is, dust, garbage, construction debris, and litter! The question I ask myself is, why do we as people not care or make an effort to try and change things? After all we share the same space, breathe the same air and proudly call this country ours.
Consider this for a moment; you are walking down Lajpat Nagar in south Delhi munching on some Lay’s chips. You are now done with your chips and conveniently dispose the packaging on the street. Hey everyone is doing it, no one is going to stop you and you more so it does not affect you. But when you think about the thousands of people walking on the street doing the same thing that you did the effects are grave. We have got so used to acting without thinking that even urinating in open spaces in front of people brings little or no shame to us.
One of our national heroes Mahatma Ghandi once said cleanliness is next to godliness. Well there is a lot of godliness and a very little cleanliness prevalent in our country today. Many things are done in our country in the name of God, why not add cleaning the country to it! Next time you feel the urge to litter, or dump your garbage on the corner of the street, think of what you are teaching your children, think of what you are telling the people and visitors to our country (I don’t give a shit) and most of all think of yourself and the cause and effects of your actions.
Waste Management India
Monday, June 14, 2010
Waste Management in India
Waste Management India: The porcess of waste management in India is a lot different than that in the developed world. The following article give you a brief about how waste management in India is carried out.
1) A single person collects waste from 300 houses on a manual rickshaw
2) On a average this waste weighs between 150-200 kg’s
3) Waste has to be segregated manually since it is all mixed
4) On a average 20% is recyclable, 15% Inert & 65% organic
5) The waste collector is only concerned about the 20% of recyclables
6) On a average 70-80% of the waste is taken to the landfill site
Did you know that your RWA charges the local waste collector a monthly fee to collect your waste!! This could average anywhere between Rupees 2000-20000 a month depending on the size of the colony.
Can we not afford to pay rupees 100 a month to get our waste collected!!! Or are we just used to living in filth and passing the buck on to the government!!
Wake up and take the initiative to clean your colony and its surroundings, up lift the workers working in the waste industry, and change the mind sets of the citizens of our country by leading the clean Indian movement in your community.
Waste Management India
1) A single person collects waste from 300 houses on a manual rickshaw
2) On a average this waste weighs between 150-200 kg’s
3) Waste has to be segregated manually since it is all mixed
4) On a average 20% is recyclable, 15% Inert & 65% organic
5) The waste collector is only concerned about the 20% of recyclables
6) On a average 70-80% of the waste is taken to the landfill site
Did you know that your RWA charges the local waste collector a monthly fee to collect your waste!! This could average anywhere between Rupees 2000-20000 a month depending on the size of the colony.
Can we not afford to pay rupees 100 a month to get our waste collected!!! Or are we just used to living in filth and passing the buck on to the government!!
Wake up and take the initiative to clean your colony and its surroundings, up lift the workers working in the waste industry, and change the mind sets of the citizens of our country by leading the clean Indian movement in your community.
Waste Management India
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Batteries Management and Handling Rules 2010- latest amendment
BATTERIES (MANAGEMENT & HANDLING) AMENDMENT RULES, 2010 (see link)
Battery Waste Management
- It shall be the responsibility of a dealer to:
- Ensure that the numbers of used batteries are collected back should be 90% of new batteries sold.
- Give appropriate discount for every used battery returned by the consumer.
- Ensure that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as that of the new batteries sold.
- File half yearly returns of the sale of new batteries and buy-back of old batteries to the manufacturer in Form V by 31st May and 30th November of every year.
- Ensure safe transportation of collected batteries to the designated collection centers or to the registered recylers.
- Ensure that no damage is caused to the environment during storage and transportation of used batteries.
- It shall be the responsibility of auctioneer to :
- Ensure that used batteries are auctioned to the registered recyclers only.
- File half-Yearly returns of their auctions to Delhi Pollution Control Committee in Form IX.
- It shall be the responsibility of recycler to :-
- Apply for registration to the Ministry of Environment & Forest (if applied already) by submitting information in Form VI.
- Submit annual returns as per Form VII prescribed under the said rules to Delhi Pollution Control Committee by 30th June and 31st December for every year.
- Create Public awareness through advertisements, Publications, posters or others with regard to following:-
- Hazards of Lead.
- Obligation of consumers to return used batteries only to the registered dealers or deliver at the designated collection centers.
- (a) The Consumer as well as the Bulk Consumers are required to ensure that used batteries are not disposed off in any manner other than depositing with the dealer, manufacturer, importer, assembler, registered recycler, re-conditioner or at the designated collection centers.
(b) The bulk consumer shall file half yearly return in Form VIII the Delhi Pollution Control committee.
bulk consumer-means a consumer such as the Departments of Central Government like Railway. Defence, Telecom, Posts and Telegraph, the Departments of State Government, the Undertakings, Boards and other agencies or companies who purchase hundred or more than hundred batteries per annum;". - It shall be the responsibility of the manufactures, importers, assemblers and re-conditioners to:
- Ensure that the number of the used batteries collected back should be at least 90 percent of the new batteries sold excluding those sold to original equipment manufacturer and bulk consumers. File a half-yearly return of their sales and bye-back to Delhi Pollution Control committee in Form-I (Manufacturer, Assembler and Re-conditioner ) / Form-IV( importers) prescribed under the said rules, latest by 30th June and 31st December of every year.
- Ensure that used batteries collected back are of similar type and specifications as that of new batteries sold.
- Set up the collection centers either individually or jointly at various places for collection of used batteries from consumers or dealers.
- Ensure that used batteries collected are sent only to the registered recyclers.
- Ensure that necessary arrangements are made with dealers for safe transportation from collection centers to the premises of the registered recyclers.
- Ensure that no damage to the environment occurs during transportation.
- Create public awareness through advertisements, publications, posters or by other means with regard to the following:- a) Hazards of Lead b) Responsibility of Consumers to return their used batteries only to the dealers or deliver and designated collection centers. c) Addresses of dealers and designated collection centers.
- Use the international recycling sign on batteries.
- Buy recycled lead only from registered recyclers and
- Bring to the notice to the DPCC or the Ministry of Environment and Forests any violation by the dealer
Battery Waste Management
Monday, May 24, 2010
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=0b0413ad-b613-441f-b064-98840429b0a2)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Clean India Movement
Every day millions of people dispose their trash in the dustbin without giving a thought to the value associated to the trash that they just threw. It is estimated that New Delhi generates 12000 tons of waste on a daily basis, and only about 60% of this is collected, the rest is found lying in heaps on the streets becoming a source of livelihood for rag-pickers and food for stray animals. In our endeavour to turn Delhi into a world class city, we have forgotten the very basis principal of "Hygiene" and cleanliness.
The same food that was on our dinner plate and that we eagerly ate is now a sore site after our stomach is full! The same bottle of water that we bought from the super market is now trash after we quenched our thirst and is discard it in the bin or on the street. As citizens of India we must realize that the buck starts and stops with us. We as individuals have the capacity to bring change to our immediate surroundings and collectively to the whole nation. It is time that we come under an umbrella collectively and proceed in a direction that forces change on our political and administrative class.
Eco Wise Waste Management invites you to join the "Clean India Movement" where you can voice you opinion in a open forum, be a part of a collective community of like mined people with a voice that cannot be ignored, and help to bring positive change in your communities via engaging various government organizations in dialog!
Be The Change You Desire! Sign Up by sending us a mail on info@eco-wise.info and play a part in India's securing India's future.
Join The Clean India Movement
The same food that was on our dinner plate and that we eagerly ate is now a sore site after our stomach is full! The same bottle of water that we bought from the super market is now trash after we quenched our thirst and is discard it in the bin or on the street. As citizens of India we must realize that the buck starts and stops with us. We as individuals have the capacity to bring change to our immediate surroundings and collectively to the whole nation. It is time that we come under an umbrella collectively and proceed in a direction that forces change on our political and administrative class.
Eco Wise Waste Management invites you to join the "Clean India Movement" where you can voice you opinion in a open forum, be a part of a collective community of like mined people with a voice that cannot be ignored, and help to bring positive change in your communities via engaging various government organizations in dialog!
Be The Change You Desire! Sign Up by sending us a mail on info@eco-wise.info and play a part in India's securing India's future.
Join The Clean India Movement
Sunday, May 16, 2010
About biomass and its potential
About biomass & its potential:
Photosynthetic activity around the world is estimated to store 17 times more energy as compared to annual consumption of energy by all nations of the world. Taking into account the energy required for collection, processing, and conversion of Bio-mass into useful forms, the complete energy need of the world can be met by bio mass, if managed and used effectively and sustainably.
Bio-mass is renewable organic matter in the process of photosynthesis by plants. In this process solar energy is combined with CO2 and moisture to form carbohydrates and oxygen. Any material constituting of combustible organic matter is referred to as Bio-mass. C, H and O which are oxygenated hydrocarbons are present in Bio-mass. Bio-mass generally contains a high level of moisture and volatile matter but has a low bulk density and calorific value.
Biomass can be classified into two sources: woody and non-woody. Agro crops, agro industry processing residue, municipal solid waste, animal and poultry waste all fall under the biomass classification as they are biodegradable in nature.
Bio-mass to Energy
Photosynthetic activity around the world is estimated to store 17 times more energy as compared to annual consumption of energy by all nations of the world. Taking into account the energy required for collection, processing, and conversion of Bio-mass into useful forms, the complete energy need of the world can be met by bio mass, if managed and used effectively and sustainably.
Bio-mass is renewable organic matter in the process of photosynthesis by plants. In this process solar energy is combined with CO2 and moisture to form carbohydrates and oxygen. Any material constituting of combustible organic matter is referred to as Bio-mass. C, H and O which are oxygenated hydrocarbons are present in Bio-mass. Bio-mass generally contains a high level of moisture and volatile matter but has a low bulk density and calorific value.
Biomass can be classified into two sources: woody and non-woody. Agro crops, agro industry processing residue, municipal solid waste, animal and poultry waste all fall under the biomass classification as they are biodegradable in nature.
Bio-mass to Energy
Friday, May 7, 2010
Plastic Waste Management- Recycling Video in Hindi
A very easy to understand video in Hindi about the importance of Segregation at Home and how the recycling can help use plastics again.
So, the message is to 'Stop Littering Plastic' and be Responsible in throwing plastic away.
EcoWise Waste Management offers services to responsibly collect and put plastic into proper use through recycling and recovering it.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Green Business Ventures
1. Employ services of Eco-friendly companies- I'll start with an example- Waste is generated from any type of institution like a government office (paper waste etc), a steel plant (industrial waste), a mall (dry and wet waste), a housing society (dry and wet waste). If these instituitions could employ the services if a reputed and responsible waste management services provider who could porvide with a Green Certificate , then the management can be free of any kind of worries regarding the legal requirements and social commitments of the disposal of such waste.
2. Use CFL lighting and Energy Star products- This could be a one time investment to ensure long term benefits.
3. Go paperless- Try to reduce your dependency on paper as much as possible. Same for faxes and printouts. Make use of pdfs, pen drives, viewing softwares to view documents on-the-go.
4. Recycled products- Try to use recycled papers, pens, holders, folders and other equipment which can be found/made from the existing materials.
5. Be Responsible- It's the matter of ethics and responsibility to measure what kind of impact we are making to the environment. Look around and take 2 mintues to think about it.
Visit http://ecowise.net.in
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)