There are multiple issues  ...

There are multiple issues  in Municipal Waste Management but basically they all relate to projects not being thought out from end-to-end before implementation begins  and an over reliance in 'latest technology' as being the magic bullet.

A list of some of the issues I have seen:

1. Excluding the largest cities most places have waste tonnage ranging from 40-100 MT. This is considered small by many solution providers with the 'latest technology' especially in the Waste to Energy segment. It is on the other hand too large for the smaller household or block solutions. End result High Tipping Fees and projects are no longer viable.

2. Land for dumps - most good land is agricultural so not usable and the rest has terrain issues or is not near waste generation sources.

3. Not in my neighborhood opposition as they have seen older waste dumps that have hopelessly contaminated the landscape and water table. Smell is also a major issue.

4. Recycling: Many areas only send small plastics, construction debris and organics all with low calorific values for waste to energy plants and too much non-organics for organic composting. Stopping local recycling is not an option as it is a major source of income for rag-pickers and other locals.

5. Fear of the latest and foreign technology for two reasons: lack of understanding of ground realities and O&M issues especially a fear that company will leave India making parts and expertise sourcing difficult.

Sanjay