Significance of Source Segregation of Solid Waste in the Course of Solid Waste Management: An Overview of Varanasi City, India

Abstract

Improving solid waste management (SWM) is a major challenge for governments globally and in India, particularly due to the lack of source segregation. If source segregation is not properly implemented, valuable materials that could be repurposed end up in landfills, putting a strain on the use of virgin raw materials. Several factors such as financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, lax regulations, overcrowded urban areas, and the “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) attitude hinder the implementation of integrated waste collection and treatment programs. Therefore, it is crucial to make a paradigm shift and view waste as a valuable resource rather than as worthless objects. This study aims to highlight the benefits of municipal solid waste (MSW) source segregation and explore the challenges and technical aspects of implementing it in Varanasi city. In 2022, Varanasi was divided into eight zones and one hundred wards. Using Yamane’s formula, the sample size was determined from the universe of households. Four hundred and forty families in Varanasi City participated in the study from January to March 2024. The results indicate that many residents believe waste segregation is futile because the city collects and transports all waste together. However, education and infrastructure improvements could help to improve source separation.