A review of municipal solid waste management and landfills in India: environmental impacts, sustainable strategies and policy insights

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management in India presents significant challenges, intensified by rapid urbanization and economic expansion. The escalating volume of waste, combined with insufficient infrastructure and limited public awareness has led to environmental degradation and public health concerns. Household waste constitutes a substantial portion of MSW, and its improper management exacerbates the strain on landfills, resulting in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Annual Report on Solid Waste Management (2020–21) by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi, India generated approximately 160,038.9 metric tons per day (TPD) of solid waste. Out of this total, around 152,749.5 TPD was collected, reflecting a collection efficiency of 95.4%. Of the collected waste, nearly 79,956.3 TPD (50%) underwent treatment, whereas 29,427.2 TPD (18.4%) was disposed of in landfills. Given the significant role of landfills in waste management, assessing their condition is essential. Therefore, this study analyses the current status of landfills and MSW management in India with the global level, Opportunities, challenges and mitigation strategies were also explored. Opportunities include Waste-to-Energy and challenges include solid waste management, unregulated landfill practices, inadequate financial support, and insufficient policy enforcement and monitoring are discussed. It also analyses the challenges encountered in waste segregation, collection, and disposal at each level and explores strategies to mitigate these issues. Despite the existence of regulatory frameworks for MSW management, the enforcement and implementation of these policies remain inadequate, often resulting in suboptimal outcomes. This study also aims to address the multifaceted challenges associated with MSW management by proposing a continuous improvement framework. The framework outlines issues currently facing and suggest action plan for strengthen the policies. The outcome of this study is likely to support policymakers in developing adaptable and progressive strategies that foster a gradual shift toward a circular economy and sustainable waste management practices.

Graphical Abstract