International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Integrated Solid Waste Management for Urban Areas: A Case Study Approach" 1 Dipkesha Jadhav, 2 Janvi Tumsare, 3 Mansi Rajput,4 Rutuja Khoje,5 Pradnya Kulkarni
Dr. D.Y. Patil institute of engineering management and research akurdi Pune ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the
coordinated involvement of local authorities, private agencies, and the public.
most pressing environmental issues facing urban and rural areas today. Rapid population growth, industrialization, and changing consumption patterns have led to an exponential increase in waste generation. This research paper analyzes the current practices, challenges, and sustainable approaches in solid waste management, focusing on India’s urban context. The study discusses modern technologies, public participation, and integrated systems for effective management. It also highlights case studies and introduces innovative solutions like waste-to-energy conversion and smart waste monitoring. Sustainable solid waste management is essential to protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote circular economy practices.
Solid waste refers to discarded materials arising from residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial activities. With increased consumption and urbanization, the quantity and diversity of waste have grown drastically. The global municipal solid waste generation is expected to exceed 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050 (World Bank, 2023). In India, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 2022), nearly 62 million tonnes of waste is produced annually. Of this, only about 70% is collected, and 20–25% is processed or treated. The rest is dumped in open landfills, leading to groundwater contamination, air pollution from burning, and spread of diseases.
Rapid urbanization has led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste generation, creating serious environmental and public health challenges in urban areas. Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) offers a sustainable and systematic approach by combining waste reduction, segregation at source, efficient collection and transportation, resource recovery, treatment, and environmentally safe disposal. This research paper presents a case study–based analysis of ISWM practices in an urban area, evaluating the effectiveness of institutional frameworks, technological interventions, and stakeholder participation. The study highlights key achievements, operational challenges, and environmental benefits of integrated waste management systems, and proposes strategic recommendations to improve efficiency, sustainability, and community involvement in urban solid waste management.
Effective solid waste management involves the systematic control of generation, storage, collection, transport, processing, and disposal of waste in an environmentally sustainable manner. However, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, and insufficient policy implementation continue to hinder progress in developing countries.
1.1. Literature Review Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) has been widely recognized as an effective framework for addressing the growing challenges of urban solid waste. According to Tchobanoglous et al. (1993), ISWM emphasizes a hierarchy of waste management practices, prioritizing waste reduction, reuse, recycling, treatment, and environmentally safe disposal. Several studies highlight that source segregation and public participation are the most critical factors influencing the success of ISWM systems in urban areas.
Key Words: Solid Waste Management, Recycling, Waste Segregation, Composting, Waste-to-Energy, Sustainability, Circular Economy
1. INTRODUCTION
Guerrero et al. (2013) examined solid waste management in developing cities and identified institutional capacity, financial constraints, and lack of public awareness as major barriers to effective implementation. Their study emphasized the need for integrated planning and stakeholder involvement to achieve sustainable outcomes. Similarly, Wilson et al. (2015) stressed the importance of incorporating informal waste pickers into formal waste management systems to enhance recycling efficiency and social equity.
Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) is a systematic and sustainable approach for managing solid waste in urban areas by integrating waste reduction, segregation, collection, transportation, and processing, recycling, and safe disposal. Rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing lifestyles have led to a significant increase in municipal solid waste, posing serious environmental and public health challenges. ISWM aims to minimize waste sent to landfills, promote resource recovery, and ensure environmental protection through
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