Conceptual Framework for Municipal Solid Waste Processing and Disposal System in India

Municipal solid waste processing and disposal in India is a complex task involving numerous waste fractions, a range of technological treatment options, and many environmental, social, and economic issues. Strong systematic frameworks can only facilitate the planning, implementation, and maintenance of sustainable municipal waste processing and disposal systems. The framework helps to define the key considerations for system planning and design, steps for performance and monitoring, and approaches for facilitating continual system improvements. A conceptual framework for municipal solid waste processing and disposal has been developed in this study, by critically examining the literature, data analysis, and survey, for determination of the management approach that would be necessary for the improvement of the present situation of solid waste management system in India. This framework has been established after practical case studies to exemplify how far it is applicable as a systems management tool for complex waste management system, and address the obstacles typically faced by the waste processing plants in India. The benefits of this conceptual framework include the integration of processing and disposal of waste with its collection and transportation.