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India's Waste Crisis: Methane Emissions Solution?
28 Aug
Summary
- India collects 90% of municipal waste, but 40% lacks formal processing.
- Landfills are significant sources of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Reforms can cut India's waste sector methane emissions by 99% in 15 years.
India grapples with a substantial waste management crisis, despite collecting approximately 90% of its municipal solid waste. A critical issue is that nearly 40% of this waste bypasses formal processing, contributing to the formation of vast garbage dumps across Indian cities. These open dump sites pose serious public health risks, including groundwater contamination, and are major emitters of methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
A new report, 'Municipal Solid Waste Management in India: Policy and Technology Pathways for Climate Action,' offers a promising outlook. It indicates that implementing the correct policy and technological reforms could enable India to reduce its waste sector methane emissions by an impressive 99% within the next 10 to 15 years. Experts Zerin Osho and Akshat Patni from IGSD highlight the urgency and feasibility of addressing this challenge.
