Municipal Solid Waste Management System: A Study of Aligarh City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Municipal solid waste management (MSWM) is a significant environmental challenge in Indian cities, including Aligarh. Inadequate handling of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses risks to public health and the environment. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of MSW in India is improperly disposed of in open dumps and landfills, leading to various ecological and health issues. A detailed examination of Aligarh's waste management system was conducted to assess the quantity, characteristics, and sustainable management options for its municipal waste. Findings from the study show that private collectors handle about 430 tons of waste per day in Aligarh, but neither residents nor collectors engage in waste segregation at the source. The combined collection efficiency of A2Z Private Limited and the Aligarh Municipal Corporation is estimated to be around 70%. Due to the high organic content in the waste, its energy potential remains untapped. Currently, about 80% of the collected waste is disposed of in open dumps, as Aligarh lacks a sanitary landfill. This study highlights the current state of municipal solid waste management in Aligarh focusing on the quantity, quality, and management strategies in Aligarh.

Methodology: For this study, Aligarh, a medium-sized city with a population of roughly 8.7 lakhs, which is located 130 kilometres from Delhi, India's capital, was chosen. A thorough assessment of the literature was done to create a theoretical framework. Visits to fields were carried out to gather basic data and comprehend the city's SWMS, including interaction During interviews with several municipality employees and executives in charge of SWM and citizens of the city. A procedure was created to examine the sources, calculate the amounts, and ascertain the waste streams' makeup.

Findings: Despite their best efforts, the local municipality's limited resources do not allow for the effectiveness of the solid waste management system in Aligarh. On the outskirts of the city, waste is frequently disposed of in open or low-lying regions without using the correct scientific or engineering techniques.