India's Waste Emissions to Surge Without Better Management: Report

A new report highlights the alarming potential rise in emissions from India's waste sector, suggesting they could reach 119.5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2047. The increase is attributed to inadequate treatment of half the solid waste generated, which often ends up in dumpsites.

The report, titled 'Organic Waste Circular Economy for Viksit Bharat', was published by the Delhi-based think tank, Council on Energy, Environment and Water. It reveals that emissions from the waste sector have surged by 226% from 1994 to 2020, making it one of the country's fastest-growing sources of emissions. The analysis underscores the need for better management of urban organic waste as a key solution.

Currently, Indian urban centers generate approximately 171,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, with nearly half being organic. By 2047, this could escalate to an annual production of 208 million tonnes of urban organic waste. Converting this waste into compost, biogas, and biomethane is proposed as an effective approach to recover nutrients, reduce methane emissions, replace chemical fertilizers, and thus support India's transition to clean energy.

Significant advancements in processing technologies, including biomethanation and composting, are vital. The report suggests that reaching a 100% rate of waste collection and processing by 2047 could unlock a market worth USD 62 billion and spare the environment 101 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Key to this transformation will be selecting appropriate technology, ensuring feedstock quality, building technical prowess, and establishing stable markets for the resulting products.

(With inputs from agencies.)