Comparative analysis of municipal solid waste

Abstract

Conventionally, the general understanding of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management is collecting solid waste and its disposal through its developed channels or outside contracts. However, depending upon the situation and context, the definition of MSW varies between countries across the globe. For instance, in countries like Singapore and Japan, Municipal Solid Waste is defined as general waste. However, while categorizing the general waste, the industrial waste component is considered for Singapore and not for Japan. Similarly, different countries associate different definitions for MSW and it becomes a difficult challenge to suggest a single unified definition applicable for all countries. This paper aims to do a comparative analysis of Waste management in Tier-II cities of India, Kochi and Indore. Kochi is ranked 372nd and the latter 1st according to the latest Swachh Survekshan undertaken as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban) by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. This paper highlights what the key elements missing out in the management of waste in Kochi from the reference perspective of Indore and identifying the measures Kochi needs to undertake to improve its ranking among the cleanest city in India are.