Exploring linkages between sustainable consumption and prevailing green practices in reuse and recycling of household waste: Case of Bhopal city in India

Abstract

Promotion of reuse and recycling practices at the household level can have a considerable influence in reducing generation of waste as well. This study has examined the existing waste generation patterns, and has identified the green practices adopted at the household level. This study documents and analyzes the possible practices that help in reducing the generation of waste. Waste practices associated with generation, reuse, and recycle, have been documented and investigated for nine material categories of waste such as: paper, plastic, glass, metal, textile, kitchen waste, garden waste, e-waste, and appliances. Field realities from Bhopal, a city in the central part of India having a population of less than two million people, have been captured through detailed stakeholder surveys and focused group discussions with experts. The primary survey was conducted to cover four income groups' categories spanning across ‘formal’ and ‘informal’ housing typologies, to understand and examine the linkages between waste generation and life style. Reuse/recycle practices adopted by the households, and the extent of the usage of such practices was examined. The study revealed innovative, smart and frugal reuse practices adopted by households, and informed that extent of reusability differs across various income groups.