Solid Waste Management (UPSC Prelims + Mains)
Think of any Indian city after a festival, a weekly market day, or a big political rally. Streets look normal for a few hours, and then the real picture appears: mixed garbage, plastic cups, food waste, flower waste, wrappers, and dust. This "daily waste" may look small at the household level, but at the city level it becomes a major public health, environmental, and governance challenge.
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is not only about cleanliness. It is directly linked to urban floods (drains choked by waste), air pollution (open burning), water pollution (leachate into groundwater and lakes), disease burden (vectors like flies and rodents), climate change (methane from dumpsites), and dignity and safety of sanitation workers.
Why Solid Waste Management is in News
Solid waste management stays in news because India is tightening rules and pushing faster action on segregation, processing and remediation of old dumpsites. In January 2026, the Union Government notified the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, which supersede the SWM Rules, 2016 and will come into full effect from 1 April 2026.
Another major focus is on "legacy waste" (old waste mountains). A national acceleration programme targets remediation of difficult dumpsites and prevention of new dumpsites, along with real-time monitoring and financial support to cities.
Swachh Survekshan rankings also keep SWM in the spotlight, as cities compete on door-to-door collection, segregation, processing, dumpsite remediation and "Waste to Wealth" outcomes.
📘 Solid Waste Management (SWM)
Solid Waste Management is the planned process of preventing waste generation, segregating waste at source, collecting and transporting it safely, recovering value through recycling/composting/processing, and disposing only the leftover rejects in an environmentally safe manner.
📘 Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)
Municipal solid waste is the everyday solid waste generated from households, shops, offices, markets, institutions and public spaces, typically managed by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and local authorities.
Meaning and Types of Solid Waste
1) By source
- Household waste: kitchen waste, packaging, paper, plastics, glass, dust
- Commercial waste: shops, hotels, restaurants, malls (high packaging + food waste)
- Institutional waste: schools, offices, hospitals (note: biomedical waste is regulated separately)
- Street sweepings and drain silt: dust, leaves, silt, litter
- Construction and demolition (C&D) waste: bricks, concrete, debris (separate rules)
2) By nature (most important for processing)
- Biodegradable (wet/organic): food leftovers, vegetable peels, garden waste
- Dry recyclables: paper, cardboard, metals, glass, clean plastics
- Domestic hazardous/special care: paint cans, bulbs, batteries, medicines, chemical containers
- Sanitary waste: diapers, sanitary napkins, condoms (needs safe wrapping and separate handling)
- Inert/rejects: silt, stones, contaminated mixed waste that cannot be processed
📘 Waste Hierarchy
A priority order for waste management: Refuse > Reduce > Reuse > Repair > Recycle > Recover energy > Dispose. The higher steps save more resources and reduce pollution.
India's Waste Situation: Key Numbers and Trends
UPSC answers become stronger when you begin with one credible data point and then connect it to governance. A Lok Sabha reply (MoEF&CC) citing CPCB's annual report for 2020-21 states that India generated 160,038.9 tonnes per day (TPD) of solid waste; about 152,749.5 TPD was collected; about 79,956.3 TPD was segregated and treated; and about 29,427.2 TPD was landfilled.
The same reply highlights that under Swachh Bharat Mission, solid waste processing capacity increased from 26,000 TPD (2014) to 1,31,876 TPD (2022).
Table 1: Municipal solid waste generated in India (year-wise)
| Year | Quantity generated (tonnes per day) |
|---|---|
| 2016-17 | 119,140.9 |
| 2017-18 | 43,298.3 |
| 2018-19 | 152,076.7 |
| 2019-20 | 150,761 |
| 2020-21 | 160,038.9 |
Source: Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 499 (MoEF&CC).
The same Lok Sabha reply reports that 34,69,780 tonnes of plastic waste was generated in 2019-20, and it also mentions policy actions like phasing out identified single-use plastic items from 1 July 2022 and increasing plastic carry bag thickness to 120 microns from 31.12.2022.
📘 Why India's waste composition matters
Indian municipal waste usually has a high biodegradable fraction and higher moisture than many developed countries. This makes segregation + composting/biomethanation very suitable, while "burning mixed waste" often becomes inefficient and polluting.
Why Poor Solid Waste Management is a Big Problem
1) Public health impacts
- Breeding sites for flies, mosquitoes, rats → diarrhoea, dengue risk, food contamination
- Workers exposed to sharp objects, biomedical waste mixed in MSW, toxic fumes from burning
2) Environmental impacts
- Air: open burning releases particulate matter and toxic gases
- Water: leachate pollutes groundwater, lakes and rivers
- Soil: heavy metals and persistent chemicals accumulate
3) Climate impacts
- Dumpsites generate methane (a strong greenhouse gas) from anaerobic decomposition
- Better SWM reduces methane and also saves emissions by recycling materials (less mining and manufacturing)
4) Urban governance impacts
- Drain choking increases urban flooding risk
- High municipal spending on collection leaves little money for processing and scientific disposal
- Citizen trust falls when garbage collection is irregular or dumping continues
📘 Leachate
Leachate is the contaminated liquid formed when rainwater percolates through waste in dumpsites/landfills and dissolves pollutants. If not controlled, it enters soil and groundwater.
Legal and Policy Framework in India
1) Constitutional and governance base
- 74th Constitutional Amendment: sanitation and solid waste management are core municipal functions (12th Schedule).
- Local governance: ULBs and Panchayats are the frontline implementing agencies.
2) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Most waste-related rules (including SWM Rules) are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
3) Major SWM rules: 2000 → 2016 → 2026
- MSW Rules, 2000: earlier framework (focus on collection and disposal).
- SWM Rules, 2016: broader scope + segregation at source + emphasis on processing and scientific landfilling.
- SWM Rules, 2026: notified in January 2026; supersede 2016; integrate circular economy and stronger accountability; effective 1 April 2026.
4) Related waste rules (important for UPSC linkage)
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (and amendments/EPR guidelines)
- E-Waste rules (EPR-based system)
- Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016
- Construction & Demolition Waste Rules, 2016
- Hazardous and Other Wastes Rules, 2016
📘 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
EPR means the producer/importer/brand owner is responsible for the environmentally sound management of a product even after it becomes waste (collection, recycling, safe disposal).
SWM Rules 2016 vs SWM Rules 2026: What UPSC Must Note
The SWM Rules, 2026 introduce clearer segregation streams, stronger compliance tools, and defined responsibilities for bulk waste generators.
Key highlights of SWM Rules, 2026 (as per PIB release)
- Four-stream segregation at source: wet, dry, sanitary, special care waste.
- Environmental compensation: for violations based on polluter pays principle; CPCB to prepare guidelines; SPCBs/PCCs to levy compensation.
- Clear definition of Bulk Waste Generators (BWGs): floor area ≥ 20,000 sq m OR water use ≥ 40,000 litres/day OR waste generation ≥ 100 kg/day.
- Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR): BWGs accountable for waste they generate; on-site wet waste processing as far as possible, or an EBWGR certificate where not feasible.
- Wet waste handling: composting/bio-methanation at nearest facility; Dry waste to MRFs for sorting and recycling.
Table 2: SWM Rules 2016 vs SWM Rules 2026 (exam-friendly comparison)
| Topic | SWM Rules, 2016 | SWM Rules, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Segregation at source | 3 streams: biodegradable, non-biodegradable (dry), domestic hazardous | 4 streams: wet, dry, sanitary, special care |
| Bulk waste generators | Compliance obligations for bulk generators (on-site processing encouraged) | Clear thresholds + EBWGR and certification framework |
| Compliance enforcement | Authorisations, duties and monitoring through SPCBs/ULBs | Environmental compensation (polluter pays), CPCB guidelines; SPCBs/PCCs levy |
| Approach | Scientific management; reduce landfilling; improve processing | Stronger circular economy orientation + EPR integration |
📘 Bulk Waste Generator (BWG)
A bulk waste generator is a large entity that produces significant waste daily (such as large institutions, commercial complexes, RWAs). Under SWM Rules, 2026, BWGs are defined using thresholds like floor area, water use, or waste generated per day.
Institutional Setup: Who Does What?
1) MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs)
- Urban sanitation mission support, guidance, best practices, funding and monitoring through SBM-U and SBM-U 2.0
- Protocols like Garbage Free City star rating, Swachh Survekshan frameworks
2) MoEF&CC (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change)
- Notifies waste rules under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Policy direction on pollution prevention and compliance systems
3) CPCB and SPCBs/PCCs
- CPCB: national guidelines, standards, coordination, reporting
- SPCBs/PCCs: authorisations, monitoring, compliance action and penalties
4) Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) / Panchayats
- Door-to-door collection, segregation enforcement, transport, processing contracts, landfill management
- Citizen awareness, user fee collection, monitoring at ward level
📘 User Fee
User fee is the service charge paid by waste generators (households, shops, institutions) to support regular collection, transportation and processing of waste. A stable user-fee system improves municipal finances and accountability.
End-to-End Solid Waste Management System (Step-by-Step)
UPSC expects you to show the full chain: Generation → Segregation → Collection → Transportation → Processing/Recovery → Scientific Disposal. Weakness at any one stage collapses the system.
Step 1: Prevent and reduce waste (best step)
- Carry cloth bags, avoid unnecessary packaging
- Community refill stations for water, detergents, groceries
- Compost at home to reduce wet waste load
- Ban or disincentivise low-value single-use items through regulations and pricing
Step 2: Segregation at source (the "make or break" step)
If waste is mixed, it becomes dirty and low-value. Recycling and compost quality fall, and most of it ends up in dumpsites. That is why rules focus heavily on segregation.
Four-stream segregation (SWM Rules, 2026)
| Stream | Examples | Best handling method |
|---|---|---|
| Wet waste | Kitchen waste, peels, food leftovers, flowers | Composting or bio-methanation |
| Dry waste | Plastic, paper, metal, glass, wood, rubber | MRF sorting → recycling |
| Sanitary waste | Diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms | Secure wrap and separate collection |
| Special care waste | Paint cans, bulbs, mercury thermometers, medicines | Authorised agencies/collection centres |
📘 Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
An MRF is a facility where dry waste is received, sorted into different recyclable categories, stored, and sent to recyclers. MRFs are critical to build a circular economy and reduce landfill burden.
Step 3: Collection (primary collection)
- Door-to-door collection: fixed timings, separate compartments for wet/dry/sanitary
- Worker safety: gloves, masks, shoes, mechanised tools where possible
- Integration of informal workers: waste pickers and SHGs can improve segregation and recycling efficiency
Step 4: Transportation (secondary collection and transfer)
- Transfer stations: reduce transport distance for small vehicles
- Covered transport: prevents litter and odour
- Route optimisation: reduces fuel cost and emissions
Step 5: Processing and recovery (turn waste into resources)
📘 Composting
Controlled decomposition of biodegradable waste to produce compost (soil conditioner). Works best when wet waste is clean and segregated.
📘 Bio-methanation
Anaerobic digestion of wet waste to produce biogas (energy) and digestate (can be used as manure after proper treatment). Suitable for markets, hotels, bulk generators and communities with consistent wet waste supply.
📘 Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF)
Processed combustible fraction of dry waste (often plastics + paper + textiles) used as fuel in cement kilns or waste-to-energy plants. Quality depends on good segregation and moisture control.
Table 3: Major processing options (what to use and when)
| Option | Best suitable waste | Main output | Key advantages | Key risks if poorly implemented |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home/community composting | Clean wet waste | Compost | Low-cost, decentralised, reduces transport | Odour and flies if mixed waste/poor aeration |
| Bio-methanation | Wet waste with consistent supply | Biogas + digestate | Energy + manure, good for markets and bulk generators | Needs skilled O&M; fails if feedstock is mixed |
| MRF + recycling | Dry recyclables | Recyclable materials | Highest circular economy value, job creation | Low-value plastics still remain; needs markets |
| Co-processing in cement kilns | High-calorific dry waste/RDF | Energy recovery in industrial process | Reduces landfill, uses existing kilns | Needs strict emission control and quality RDF |
| Waste-to-Energy (WtE) | Dry combustible fraction (after segregation) | Electricity/heat | Reduces volume of waste | Fails with wet mixed waste; emission concerns |
| Sanitary landfill | Only rejects and inert residuals | Safe disposal | Controls leachate and landfill gas when designed well | Land scarcity; long-term monitoring needed |
Step 6: Scientific disposal (only for "rejects")
A modern SWM system does not "dump everything." The landfill should receive mainly inerts and processing rejects, not mixed raw waste.
📘 Sanitary Landfill
An engineered site with liners, leachate collection, gas management, and controlled covering, designed to prevent pollution. It is the last option in the waste hierarchy.
Legacy Waste and Dumpsite Remediation (Bio-mining/Bio-remediation)
Many Indian cities still carry the burden of old waste mountains created over decades. This "legacy waste" occupies valuable urban land, pollutes air and water, and creates fire hazards.
As per a January 2026 Lok Sabha reply via PIB, 2,488 dumpsites (with more than 1,000 tonnes of waste) and nearly 25 crore metric tonnes of legacy waste were identified for remediation. About 15.51 crore MT (62%) has been remediated and about 8,484.15 acres (56%) land has been reclaimed.
The same update describes the Dumpsite Remediation Acceleration Programme (DRAP) to fast-track remediation of 214 difficult dumpsites and prevent creation of new dumpsites by September 2026, along with monitoring systems and financial support.
What is bio-mining / bio-remediation in simple terms?
- Step 1: excavate old waste from dumpsite
- Step 2: segregate into soil-like material, recyclables, combustibles, inerts
- Step 3: use soil-like fraction for landscaping (if safe), send recyclables to recycling, combustibles to RDF/co-processing/WtE
- Step 4: reclaim land and prevent fresh waste dumping
📘 Legacy Waste
Legacy waste is old waste accumulated in dumpsites over years. It is typically mixed, partially decomposed, and requires specialised remediation (biomining/bioremediation) before land can be reclaimed.
Role of Citizens and the Informal Sector
Why citizens matter
- Segregation happens at home and shop level
- Littering control needs community pressure and enforcement
- Composting is easiest when households participate
Why informal sector matters
- Waste pickers recover recyclables at low cost and reduce landfill burden
- They need safety equipment, legal recognition, and stable linkages to MRFs and recyclers
- Formal SWM improves when informal workers are integrated, not removed without alternatives
Case Studies and Best Practices (India)
In UPSC Mains, use one best practice as a short example and extract "transferable lessons." Do not write city stories without linking to policy learning.
Table 4: Best practices and what to learn
| City/Model | What they focused on | Transferable learning for UPSC answers |
|---|---|---|
| Indore | Strong door-to-door collection, segregation discipline, processing focus | Behaviour + enforcement + systems outperform only "new plants" approach |
| Surat | Cleanliness performance and consistent municipal service delivery | Service reliability and accountability improve citizen compliance |
| Pune (SWaCH-type models) | Integration of waste pickers for collection and segregation | Inclusive SWM improves recovery and livelihoods |
| Ambikapur (decentralised approach) | Decentralised processing and community participation | Decentralisation reduces transport cost and landfill dependence |
| Alappuzha-type models | Household/community composting to reduce wet waste load | Wet waste management at source prevents dumpsite creation |
Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 highlighted that Surat joined Indore in the league of "Cleanest City," and the theme "Waste to Wealth" reflects the national emphasis on resource recovery.
Challenges in India's Solid Waste Management
1) Mixed waste due to poor segregation
- Recycling value collapses when waste is contaminated
- Compost quality becomes poor, leading to low market demand
2) Over-dependence on collection, under-investment in processing
- Municipal budgets get consumed by transport and contracts
- Processing facilities remain insufficient or poorly operated
3) Dumpsite mindset and land constraints
- Land scarcity near cities increases conflict (NIMBY problem)
- Old dumpsites keep growing if fresh waste is not stopped
4) Weak enforcement and data gaps
- Rules exist, but compliance varies widely
- Accurate measurement of generated, collected and processed waste is often missing
5) Worker safety and dignity issues
- Inadequate PPE, manual handling, exposure to sharp and hazardous waste
- Need for mechanisation and occupational health monitoring
Way Forward: Model Answers Need "Multi-Level Solutions"
A high-scoring UPSC answer shows solutions at five levels: household, community, local body, state/national policy, and market/industry.
1) Household and community level
- Make segregation non-negotiable (wet/dry/sanitary/special care)
- Promote home composting and community compost pits
- Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) as bulk waste managers
2) ULB level (systems + accountability)
- 100% door-to-door collection with separate streams
- MRFs at appropriate scale; strong link to recyclers
- User fee + penalties to sustain finances and discipline
- Transparent data: weighbridges, digital reporting, third-party audits
3) State and national level (policy + capacity)
- Capacity building of ULBs for contracts, monitoring and technology choices
- Clear enforcement frameworks (including environmental compensation under SWM Rules 2026)
- Fast-track legacy waste remediation with micro-plans and monitoring (DRAP)
4) Market and industry level (circular economy)
- Strengthen EPR so producers pay for collection and recycling
- Develop stable markets for compost, recycled plastics, and RDF
- Public procurement: buy products with recycled content
5) Technology level (use "appropriate technology")
- Choose processing based on local waste composition (wet vs dry fraction)
- Prioritise decentralised wet waste solutions (compost/biogas)
- Use WtE only when feedstock is suitable and emissions are strictly controlled
UPSC Preparation Toolkit
Prelims Quick Revision Points
- SWM is a municipal function under 74th Amendment (sanitation and SWM).
- SWM Rules 2016: segregation at source; reduce landfilling; scientific processing; responsibilities for generators and local bodies.
- SWM Rules 2026: four-stream segregation; environmental compensation; defined bulk waste generator thresholds; EBWGR.
- India (2020-21): 160,038.9 TPD generated; 152,749.5 TPD collected; 79,956.3 TPD treated; 29,427.2 TPD landfilled.
- Plastic policy actions include single-use plastic phase-out (from 1 July 2022) and carry bag thickness 120 microns (from 31.12.2022).
- Legacy dumpsites: thousands identified; remediation is a major national priority (DRAP).
Mains Answer Framework (10/15 markers)
- Intro (2-3 lines): define SWM + one data point (TPD or landfill burden)
- Body Part 1: why SWM is failing (segregation, capacity, governance, finance)
- Body Part 2: impacts (health, environment, climate, urban floods)
- Body Part 3: solutions (5-level approach + circular economy + EPR + enforcement)
- Conclusion: "waste-to-wealth + garbage-free cities + sustainable urbanisation"
UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
📝 UPSC Prelims 2019 - Solid Waste Management Rules
Question: As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct?
(a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.
(b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.
(c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.
(d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.
Answer: (c). UPSC angle: Rules are wider in scope than only notified towns, and segregation is not "five categories" as a mandatory requirement for generators.
📝 UPSC Prelims 2019 - Microbeads
Question: Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?
Answer approach: Link microbeads to microplastics, marine ecosystem harm, and long persistence in environment.
📝 UPSC Prelims 2019 - Extended Producer Responsibility
Question: In India, 'extended producer responsibility' was introduced as an important feature in which of the following?
(1) Bio-medical Waste Rules, 1998
(2) Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999
(3) e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011
(4) Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2011
Answer: (3) e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011.
📝 UPSC Prelims 2013 - E-Waste (toxins)
Question: Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium 2. Cadmium 3. Chromium 4. Heptachlor 5. Mercury 6. Lead 7. Plutonium
UPSC angle: Identify which substances are typical e-waste toxins/heavy metals and which are not.
📝 UPSC Mains 2018 (GS3) - Solid Waste & Toxic Waste
Question: What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (150 words, 10 marks)
Answer approach: Impediments (segregation, infrastructure, finance, land, governance) + safe removal (segregation, hazardous waste rules, scientific landfills, remediation, monitoring).
Practice MCQs (10) with Answers and Explanations
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Q1. Which step is highest priority in the waste hierarchy?
- (a) Composting
- (b) Recycling
- (c) Refuse/Reduce
- (d) Landfilling
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The waste hierarchy prioritises preventing waste generation first (refuse/reduce), because it saves resources and avoids pollution at the source.
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Q2. Under SWM Rules, 2026, segregation at source is mandatory into:
- (a) Two streams: wet and dry
- (b) Three streams: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, hazardous
- (c) Four streams: wet, dry, sanitary, special care
- (d) Five streams including e-waste separately
Answer: (c)
Explanation: SWM Rules, 2026 mandate four-stream segregation at source: wet, dry, sanitary, and special care waste.
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Q3. Which institution will prepare guidelines for environmental compensation under SWM Rules, 2026, while SPCBs/PCCs levy it?
- (a) MoHUA
- (b) CPCB
- (c) NITI Aayog
- (d) State Finance Commission
Answer: (b)
Explanation: PIB release states CPCB will prepare guidelines, and SPCBs/PCCs will levy environmental compensation.
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Q4. According to CPCB annual report data cited in Lok Sabha reply for 2020-21, India generated municipal/solid waste approximately:
- (a) 16,003.89 TPD
- (b) 60,038.9 TPD
- (c) 160,038.9 TPD
- (d) 1,600,389 TPD
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Lok Sabha reply cites CPCB annual report figure: 160,038.9 tonnes per day for 2020-21.
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Q5. Which of the following is the most suitable first-choice treatment for clean, segregated wet waste in Indian cities?
- (a) Incineration of mixed waste
- (b) Composting/bio-methanation
- (c) Direct dumping in low-lying areas
- (d) Burning in open spaces
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Wet waste is biodegradable and best treated via composting or bio-methanation to recover manure/biogas, reducing landfill load and methane formation.
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Q6. "Material Recovery Facility (MRF)" is most closely associated with:
- (a) Treatment of biomedical waste
- (b) Sorting and channelising dry waste for recycling
- (c) River cleaning by removing silt
- (d) Producing compost from kitchen waste
Answer: (b)
Explanation: MRFs receive dry waste, sort it into recyclable categories and send it to recycling/value chains.
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Q7. Which statement best explains why open dumping leads to groundwater pollution?
- (a) Because waste always evaporates into air
- (b) Because leachate from waste infiltrates soil and aquifers
- (c) Because composting produces toxic gases
- (d) Because recycling releases heavy metals into rivers
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Rainwater passing through dumpsites creates leachate containing dissolved pollutants, which can infiltrate and contaminate groundwater.
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Q8. Which of the following is the best description of "legacy waste"?
- (a) Fresh waste collected daily from households
- (b) Biomedical waste from hospitals
- (c) Old accumulated waste in dumpsites over years
- (d) Only electronic waste from households
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Legacy waste refers to old, accumulated dumpsite waste that requires remediation/biomining before land can be reclaimed.
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Q9. Which of the following is a key risk of waste-to-energy plants if mixed wet waste is fed without proper segregation?
- (a) Higher calorific value and easy burning
- (b) Reduced moisture and improved efficiency
- (c) Low efficiency, higher emissions and operational failure
- (d) Automatic production of high-quality compost
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Mixed waste in India often has high moisture. Without segregation and proper feedstock, WtE performance drops and pollution control becomes harder.
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Q10. DRAP (Dumpsite Remediation Acceleration Programme) primarily aims to:
- (a) Increase open dumping capacity of cities
- (b) Remediate difficult dumpsites and prevent new dumpsites
- (c) Replace MRFs with landfills
- (d) Stop door-to-door collection to reduce costs
Answer: (b)
Explanation: DRAP is designed to fast-track remediation of difficult dumpsites and prevent creation of new dumpsites within set timelines.
Conclusion
Solid waste management is a "daily governance test." A clean city is not created by one big plant alone, but by a complete chain: segregation at source, reliable collection, strong processing capacity, scientific disposal of rejects, and strict prevention of new dumpsites. India's policy direction is clearly moving towards circular economy + accountability, as seen in stronger segregation norms, bulk waste generator responsibility, and faster dumpsite remediation targets.