Introduction

This is a first article in the series which I plan to share here on our initiatives at my residential community on the waste management.

The need for proper waste management has proliferated into all corners of our society.  The past 2 years have a struggle in implementing a proper waste management system at my apartment complex.  We have had several sustainability issues with the previous implementations and now we are determined to provide a solution which is simple but sustainable.  However, some regions within my city face more challenges in dealing with the change and mindset of people when it comes to proper disposal of wastes. This proposal takes a view that apartments are the best places to start inculcating the right behavior in young minds and as the children grow older they evolve into more responsible value-based citizens. Waste disposal is not somebody's job - Recalling the Chinese proverb, ?give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime?. 

Keeping this proverb as a central theme, I wish to present a proposal for waste management at my residential community which addresses multiple objectives:

(1) Inculcate residents the principles of proper waste disposal

(2) Make the process of waste management a bit of fun

(3) Emphasize the element of recycling in waste management

(4) Ensure the waste management system is cost effective

(5) Could serve as a potential motivation to consider for biomass energy generation and

(6) Extend this learning to other apartments and society 

The proposal is structured as follows.  We first begin with an introduction to environmental management and set the environmental context for demonstrating the concept of waste disposal.  This would also identify the overall components of our waste management system.  Some partial implementation of same is currently in progress and details on our field work on the specific implementation will follow in my later posting.  Based on our team?s previous implementation at our residential community, one of our main challenges is sustaining these efforts as most of these initiatives are non-remunerative and expects our total commitment to society.

Environmental context

My apartment complex in Chennai (Madras, India) sets the context for providing a platform for demonstrating our proof of concept.   Figure 1 shows the concept of waste management system that is being implemented for this study.   This study is divided into two phases due to the complexity in implementation and required funding and necessary clearances from apartment management and government.   

The Phase 1 focuses on educating residents on the importance of waste disposal, the meaning of waste segregation and implementation of the same.  This is an initiative where participation from all residents is mandatory.  For example, a resident may take turns to collect the wastes at regular intervals.  We also keep track of the time when the disposal of wastes is maximum during a given day.  Therefore, collecting wastes during this time would help their proper disposal.

Implementation of Phase 1 at my apartment

The team is taking the lead on implementing this concept.   The steps mentioned below shows the order of steps in implementing this system. The first step is to organize an introductory session on waste disposal at our apartment.   

The phase 1 would require us to implement separate trash / waste collectors at distinct places in our apartment campus.  These locations will be marked and identified. The wastes thus collected will be packed and sent for segregation and then recycling.   The waste collectors will be offered bio-degradable bags. 

 Field work

As an added initiative in this phase, the team is using this opportunity to reach out to the local vendors and distribute bio-degradable bags that are more environmental friendly.  Some of our activities related to this field work are discussed next.   

Full scale implementation and estimated costs

Phase 1 (2017-2018)

Identification of wastes in apartment complex

Segregation of recyclable and non-recyclable wastes   

Create awareness of waste disposal at my apartment

Support from Chennai waste management organization for this initiative  

Demonstrate to Chennai waste management organization the proof of concept and take this forward to corporation and other apartments in Chennai

 Estimated costs for Phase 1 is INR. 10000 (approx.. USD: 150)

Phase 2 (2018-2019) – Extending this concept to the neighborhood

Apply for NGO / governmental funding to install a small biomass plant at my apartment

Sustained effort to implement the  system at my apartment complex and extend to local community

Recommend through government protocols for a decree in trash waste management

Share best practices to other apartments in Chennai and recommend rewards and recognitions

Incremental improvements, benefits to society and conclusions

Our waste management system maximizes the use of waste and this is an incremental improvement to the existing practices for waste management seen at apartments.

The implementation of the extended system is considered in two parts – first part focuses on the waste identification, storage of trash waste information and segregation of wastes for recycling.  The second part focusses on biomass energy generation.

The purpose of this initiative is to not only realize the importance of proper waste management but also to start the journey on renewable energy.

The benefits due to this is viewed in longer term impact to the society.  This includes subsidized clean energy (which is converted as savings), less pollution, less diseases and creating the important awareness lesson on trash waste disposal for future generations.

Figures / Pics:  Are representative and actual pictures of the events will be shared later.

Image credit : http://gasificationsolutions.com/biomass-energy/