Delhi's Bold Move: A Circular Economy for Waste Management

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to revolutionize waste management in the capital with a novel plan crafted with IIT-Delhi. In line with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, the plan emphasizes source segregation, decentralized processing, and digital monitoring to overhaul the city's waste systems.

Delhi generates 11,862 tonnes of waste daily under MCD limits, yet only processes 64.41% of it, leaving substantial quantities to fill landfills. The estimated Rs 1.94 crore project seeks to transition from a 'collection-centric' to a 'circular economy' model and enforce four-stream waste segregation at sources. It also puts the onus on bulk waste generators to handle waste onsite or acquire compliance certificates.

Identifying the challenges in waste management, the plan addresses key issues like insufficient segregation, waste tracking, and informal waste workers' conditions. IIT-D's role includes acting as a knowledge partner to devise GIS-based mapping, technology assessment, and public awareness initiatives while enhancing social security for waste workers.

(With inputs from agencies.)