ANNOUNCEMENTS
Plastic waste has emerged as a critical global issue due to its non biodegradable nature and extensive usage across various industries. Annually, global plastic production exceeds 150 million tonnes, with approximately 70% ending up as waste (Geyer et al., 2017). In India, the scenario is particularly concerning with an estimated 9.4 million tonnes of plastic waste generated each year (Central Pollution Control Board, 2021). Despite ongoing recycling efforts, a significant portion of plastic waste remains unprocessed, contributing to environmental pollution and degradation. Karnataka, with its highly urbanized coastline, faces considerable challenges in effectively managing plastic waste. Despite regulations banning plastic usage, the state continues to produce substantial amounts of plastic waste annually, exacerbating marine pollution (KSPCB, 2020). The need for intervention is particularly urgent in coastal areas like Udupi and Mangalore to prevent further environmental degradation and protect marine ecosystems.
In response to these challenges, a study was conducted across different taluks in Udupi district and in Mangalore, involving six surveyors tasked with assessing the landscape and conducting a baseline survey. This initiative proposed the implementation of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) as a promising solution. MRFs play a crucial role in sorting and recovering recyclables from waste, thereby reducing the burden on landfills and promoting sustainability (Wilson et al., 2006). Furthermore, the establishment of MRFs not only enhances waste management practices but also provides a safer and more hygienic working environment for waste workers. Additionally, it fosters social inclusion and enables the collection of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) funds, thus improving the financial viability of waste management operations (Chaturvedi et al., 2019).
The study utilized a comprehensive methodology involving data collection from Open Street Map (OSM) and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) to identify waste generation hotspots in Mangalore and Udupi. Relevant Points of Interest (POIs) such as schools, places of worship, restaurants, hotels, and tourism spots were collected and combined into a single layer for spatial analysis. The KDE tool was then employed to create a heatmap that visualizes areas with high concentrations of POIs, indicating potential waste generation hotspots. This spatial analysis revealed significant insights into waste generation patterns, highlighting high density urban centers, commercial hubs, and popular tourism spots as major contributors to plastic waste.
Data collection also involved administering a detailed questionnaire to municipal officials, waste management workers, and residents to capture a holistic view of the waste management practices in both cities. The questionnaire focused on the extent of door to door waste collection, adherence to segregation rules, frequency of waste collection, details about transportation and disposal services, and the processes involved in segregating and processing different types of waste. The comprehensive data collected provided valuable insights into the strengths and areas for improvement in the waste management systems of Mangalore and Udupi.
The study found a strong positive correlation between per capita dry waste generation and socio economic indicators such as per capita income and the Human Development Index (HDI). This correlation suggests that as economic well being and overall development increase, so does the amount of dry waste generated per person. This insight has significant implications for waste management strategies, indicating that a multifaceted approach combining education with economic incentives, improved infrastructure, stricter enforcement of plastic usage bans, promotion of sustainable alternatives, and EPR initiatives is necessary to effectively reduce plastic waste generation.
The proposed implementation of MRFs in these cities is a promising step towards a more circular economy, enhancing the overall effectiveness of waste management strategies. By leveraging these insights, municipal authorities can implement more efficient and targeted waste management strategies, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment. This study underscores the importance of integrating advanced spatial analysis tools in urban planning and waste management to address the environmental challenges posed by increasing waste generation.
