Waste management has a great potential since it can yield good returns for the corporations and also contribute to society by promoting the recycling industry along with eco-industrial production. Corporate India should address pertinent issues like waste reduction, community participation in segregation of waste at source, recycling and converting waste into energy as part of their CSR programme.

Rejuvenation of Lakes

Lakes are a source of potable water, however, due to increased urbanisation around them, they have lost their charm and have become polluted. Corporations can pick up rejuvenation of lakes as a CSR activity and restore them to their past glory. Lake rejuvenation projects can focus at desilting and beautification, including creating a walking path and planting trees around it.

Solid waste management & Construction of Sewage Treatment Plants

Corporations can also look at setting up of mechanised sweeping, collection and transportation of Municipal Solid Waste, and construction of sewage treatment plants.

Waste Management Programmes

As part of the waste management programmes, corporations can supply and commission twin-bin dustbins with double swing stands at railway stations. Corporations can also partner with municipalities and install such dustbins at specific wards of their project geography. Waste segregation awareness programmes can also be conducted as part of the waste management programmes.

Zero Waste Initiatives

To address the issues of Solid Waste Management, the corporations with the support of the local municipal corporations, can replicate the successful model of Zero Waste at different locations. Zero Waste is a philosophy that encourages redesign of resource life cycles so that all products are reused and that no trash is sent to landfills or incinerators. A crucial element of the project relies on the relentless work done by the waste pickers, aiming to provide them with dignity and a sustained source of income, through the Zero Waste initiative.

Faecal Sludge and Septage Managements

FSSM represents an innovative, smart, and sustainable system that works across the value chain. Its built-in adaptability allows it to be a solution for both urban and rural areas, thereby allowing it to complement India’s efforts at achieving its targets under SDG 6.2, and accelerating our performance under other SDGs relating to healthy living, inclusive cities, and accruing gender parity.

Waste to Energy Initiatives

Adoption of environment-friendly waste-to-energy technologies can significantly reduce the problems caused by solid and liquid waste. These technologies allow treatment and processing of waste before their disposal. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), is actively promoting the generation of energy from waste, by providing subsidies and incentives for the projects. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) estimates indicate that India has so far realised only about 2% of its waste-to-energy potential. Corporations can set up processing/recycling units for all sorts of waste.