Household Solid Waste Management in a Developing World: An Overview

Abstract

Households in developing countries are the primary waste generators. Therefore, this study aims to identify the composition and factors responsible for household solid waste generation. It also studies the current status of household waste management in India and strategies for waste minimisation and management. Findings revealed that household waste is heterogeneous. The urban household produces substantial amounts of waste, and vegetables and food waste are major components. Family size has either a positive or negative impact on waste generation. A higher-income household with more purchasing power has a clear positive impact on waste generation. People living together share food items and consumer goods, so fewer food scraps, leftovers, and packaging wastes are there. With advanced education, household wastes are higher, whereas households with secondary education produce the least waste. There is an accumulation of fresh graduates but few are aware of current environmental issues. Municipalities are responsible for collecting and disposing of solid waste, but at present, they focus mostly on the collection part, while innovation in waste treatment is scarce. Nevertheless, a few cities in India have taken a positive approach to the selection of waste management strategies. Also, household solid waste can be converted from burden to resource by sensitising people to segregate waste at the source and following sustainable strategies.