The Problem With Garbage Is That It

The problem with garbage is that it's a sum zero game. Garbage has to go somewhere but nobody wants it in their backyard. It's as if trash is deposited in the garbage can and somehow it's supposed to disappear into some magic black hole. Problem is, there is no black hole. There isn't even room for any more landfill. What was once thought to be a progressive solution - incinerating garbage - has become a major point of contention. Incineration of things such as plastics and medical waste raise serious doubts with regard to sound health practices. The solution everybody can agree on - recycling - is not a panacea for all garbage problems. Only so much trash is recyclable. It remains a problem with no easy or cheap solution. Indeed, there is a strong need for a quick solution to the country's garbage problem.

Community dwellings such as schools, hospitals, apartments and hotels are generators of waste in a large quantity. In a day, they generate an average of 50-100 kg of waste every day and which is not properly disposed off. The dumping of garbage as well as non biodegradable waste poses a serious threat to the environment. If waste is efficiently managed in public areas like these, the garbage problem that is faced in India’s major cities can be reduced to a greater extent.

School is one such public place where lot of biodegradable waste is generated and which can be disposed off effectively by proper enforcement alone. Moreover, schools can be made as the primary target in the drive for a garbage-free city.

Installation of biogas plant in such places not only solves the problem of waste disposal but also can result in economic benefits. Biogas can be used for cooking as well as generating electricity. Though the idea of constructing biogas plants is being implemented in some places, a widespread popularity has not been seen. It may be because of the high one time cost. But the most interesting feature of biogas is that there is only a one time capital cost