Gorakhpur Solid Waste Management Pilot Project, India

August 2011
The attached report documents a solid waste management pilot project undertaken
in Gorakhpur, India. Project implementation and report preparation were led by the
M.G. Post-Graduate College, Gorakhpur in collaboration with the Gorakhpur
Environmental Action Group (GEAG). The pilot project, titled Decentralized Solid
Waste Management through Community Participation: A Pilot Programme in
Purdilpur Ward of Gorakhpur City, was undertaken in 2010, following preparation
of and informed by a city vulnerability assessment. This pilot program was part of
the city engagement phase of the Rockefeller Foundation Asian Cities Climate
Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) program, and has led to ongoing work in this
sector under the ACCCRN implementation phase.
This report was prepared in English, and is presented here as written. The report
represents the knowledge and opinions of the authors. In these cover pages we
discuss the relevance of the document in the context of ACCCRN, what we have seen
the city learn as a result of its preparation, and how we anticipate it will be used in
the future. These observations, though discussed and validated with country
partners in interviews, are ISETs alone and may differ from those of other ACCCRN
partners.

Introduction to ACCCRN, ACCCRN Cities and Partners

The Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) is an innovative
program that helps mid-sized cities in South and South East Asia build resilience to
climate change. Rockefeller Foundation launched the program in 2008. The
Rockefeller Foundation and ACCCRN partners work together to conceptualize
frameworks, tools and methods for cities to understand, identify, prioritize and
actualize climate change resilience in vulnerable urban areas.
The program includes ten cities in South and South East Asia. Da Nang, Can Tho and
Quy Nhon in Vietnam; Gorakhpur, Surat and Indore in India; Bandar Lampung and
Semarang in Indonesia; and Chiang Rai and Hat Yai in Thailand.
ACCCRN works with national partners TARU Leading Edge and Gorakhpur
Environmental Action Group (GEAG) in India, the National Institute for Science and
Technology Policy and Strategy Studies (NISTPASS) and Challenge to Change (CtC)
in Vietnam, Mercy Corps in Indonesia and the Thailand Environmental Institute
(TEI) in Thailand.

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Overall Process
The Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET) is the lead facilitating
partner for the ACCCRN process. The ACCCRN interaction with cities was organized
in three phases:

Phase 1, City Scoping and Selection - Vietnamese and Indian cities were
finalized in November 2008, Indonesia cities were finalized in the spring of
2009 and Thai cities were finalized in October 2009.

Phase 2, Engagement - January 2009 to October 2010 in India and Vietnam,

June 2009 to August 2010 in Indonesia, and January to October 2010 in
Thailand. The documents presented here reflect the results of this second
phase of work.

Phase 3, Implementation - funding of city-led climate change adaptation

interventions began in January 2011 and will extend through December
2014.

The Phase 2 engagement was organized around Shared Learning Dialogues (SLDs).
SLDs are iterative, transparent group discussions with local community actors,
government agencies, and specific organizations designed to bring together
available information on climate change with local knowledge and perceptions. The
SLD process guides all ACCCRN stakeholders in identifying the constraints and
opportunities in adapting to climate change, understanding the complex systems
within each of the partner cities, and working with a diverse range of city actors to
build urban resilience.
The SLDs are informed by city specific information generated or compiled to
support the ACCCRN engagement, including climate science and model results,
vulnerability assessments, and sector studies. Through this process, local partners
and relevant stakeholders increased their understanding of climate change in
general and how it will impact and affect their cities, particularly for vulnerable
groups and areas, in particular. This understanding was tested and extended
through the development and implementation of climate change adaptation pilot
projects in each city. Phase 2 culminated with preparation by each city of their own
city Climate Resilience Strategy. ACCCRN provided tools and methods through
which local partners themselves led coordination and analysis, with the goal of
fostering strong city ownership and integrating resilience planning processes into
city planning for the long-term.

Background Information and Document Discussion

For the Gorakhpur solid waste management project, 200 households were engaged
in implementation of a decentralized, community based solid waste management
program. The project provided livelihoods creation and ecosystem benefits in the
form of greater recycling and composting of waste, while reducing waste collection
in drains, which exacerbates flooding and water logging.
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This project was complemented by a solid waste awareness-building pilot project,

the Polyethylene No More campaign. In this project, GEAG produced and
distributed a series of four-page leaflets to communicate challenges associated with
sanitation and waste in Gorakhpur, encouraging citizens to change their habits
regarding waste and recycling and to actively participate in community solicitation
of better services from city government.
The solid waste management pilot project was informed by a sector study, also
funded by ACCCRN and also undertaken after completion of the city vulnerability
assessment. The sector study, which produced a report titled The Role of
Indiscriminate Use and Disposal of Plastics in Enhancing Climate Change Induced
Vulnerability in Gorakhpur, assessed usage patterns, relative magnitude, and
problems related to indiscriminate disposal of plastic bags in the city of Gorakhpur,
including their impact on the environment and role in increasing city vulnerability
to climate change impacts. The study also focused on sensitizing stakeholders and
decision makers and encouraging exploration of possible solutions through multistakeholder and multidisciplinary partnership.

Why Solid Waste

Gorakhpur is a relatively flat city bounded on the west and southwest by the
Ghaghra River. Areas of the city lie at elevations lower than the river; the river is
bermed on the city-side to prevent monsoon flooding from entering. The citys low
topographic gradient results in poor drainage and slow runoff in most part of the
city. As a result, there is widespread water logging for more than 3-4 months of the
year.
City drainage is primarily through open drains; only 20% of the city is served by
underground drainage. City drainage has not been systematically addressed, so
drainage networks do not necessarily connect well. During the monsoon season,
drains must be pumped into the river. In the city vulnerability assessment the city
populace described water logging as the most serious city risk. This risk is projected
to increase in response to climate change induced increase in rainfall intensity.
There is no city-wide solid waste disposal system in Gorakhpur. This poses a
particular risk to the open-drainage network; if solid waste is not collected, or if it is
collected but deposited in nearby dumping grounds rather than carefully disposed
of, waste, particularly plastics and plastic bags, blow about until they fall into drains.
What drains there are get blocked, aggravating drainage issues.
GEAG has been working in Gorakhpur for many years, and so the issues that solid
waste management present for the city had been identified prior to the ACCCRN
project. ACCCRN allowed GEAG to actively engage around these issues, further
research contributing factors and avenues for engagement, and implement activities
on the ground.

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Strengths of this Model

The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation (GMC) is responsible for providing city solid
waste management. The GMC has, in the past, tried various solid-waste disposal
systems, including private sector approaches, but none of these approaches have
fully succeeded. The private sector was unable to make waste collection and
disposal cost-effective. The GMC, trying to provide public service, was unable to
obtain the needed efficiencies.
Under the GMC, solid waste disposal involved collecting solid waste from
households, transferring it to a primary dumping site, then moving waste from the
primary site to a secondary site, and then moving it yet again to a final site. The
entire process took 8-9 days, during which much of the solid waste could be blown
into the drains. This model was adopted to address infrastructure and manpower
constraints.
The approach that GEAG and the M.G. Post-Graduate College have adopted is a
public-private funded, 'decentralised' solid waste management system.
Implementation of this model required development of new composting and
decomposition techniques to break down the compostable component of the waste
stream, thus reducing the amount of material needing final land-filling considerably.
This decentralized approach, coupled with active outreach to the public, including
awareness and involvement, has, to date, been highly successful.
Based on the success to date of this program the city government has acknowledged
the program as successful and other Gorakhpur communities have asked GEAG to
implement similar programs in their areas. Currently there are plans to replicate
this model in the Mahewa ward in conjunction with another ACCCRN funded project
on Micro Level Resilience Strategy for a Ward.

For further reference and detailed information about ACCCRN resources and
publications, please visit www.i-s-e-t.org or write to [email protected].

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

CONTENTS
Acknowledgements
List of Table
List of Figure
List of Photographs
Abbreviations

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Introduction
Relevance of the Study in the Context of Climate Change
Centralized and Decentralized Solid Waste Management
Need for Decentralized Solid Waste Management
Benefits of Decentralized Solid Waste Management
Economic Benefits
Health Benefits
Social Benefits
Programme Background
Intervention Area
Households Involved
Process/Methodology Adopted
Programme Implementing Team
Program Duration
Programme Objectives, Steps and Process of Interventions
Community Mobilization
Waste Collection
Segregation of Solid Waste
Disposal of Solid Waste
General Character of Solid Waste in city
Average Generation and Volume of Solid Wastes in Intervention Area
Waste Generation by various Socio Economic Groups in Intervention Area
Process of Composting
Use of Culture (chemical and indigenous) and its Names
Method of Culture Preparation
Amount of Culture Required and Used with Proportion to the Weight.........
Total Time required for preparation of Compost
Input Output Ratio of Compost Making
Quality of Compost and its Comparison with Chemical Fertilizer
Challenges Associated with Composting
Impact of Program in Intervention Area
Environment (past and present)
Peoples Perception (past and present)
Future Scope for Municipality in Citys Resilience Building
Key Issues and Lessons Learnt
Long Term Impact and Viability of Programme
Strategy to be Adopted for its Sustainability
Constraints and Challenges in Scaling up
Overview of Cost- Benefits Analysis of the Intervention
Recommendations
References

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A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

INTRODUCTION
Gorakhpur, a low lying and bowl shaped city of Eastern Uttar Pradesh 1 , is rich
in the cultural heritage and historical importance. Unfortunately, it is expected
that by the year 2031, the citizens of Gorakhpur will have tough time in dealing
with huge mounds of garbage accumulated in the city, which may cause
hindrances in the easy movement of the vehicles on the roads. The amount of
solid waste poses a
serious threat not only to
Figure: 1 Purdilpur Ward in Gorakhpur
the human and animals
but also to the entire ecosystem. According to
Gorakhpur Municipal
Corporation,
approximately 300 tons
(table 1) of the solid
wastes are generated
every day in the city, out
of which 240 tons are
collected by the
Municipal Corporation 2
and the rest one fifth
remains strewn all over
on the roadside. It is
projected that if the
present rate of solid
waste generation
continues then by the
year 2031, about 231
quintals of solid waste
in the form of paper,
rubber, synthetics, glass,
metals, polythene bags,
vegetable peels, animal
remnants, construction
materials, medical
wastes and drain silt)
will be generated every
hour in the city. At
present, the Gorakhpur
Municipal Corporation
fails to provide adequate
services to the people of
the city with regard to
solid waste
management.
Table 1: Solid Waste Generation in Gorakhpur City (per day)

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2

Verma, 2009
Wajih et al, 2009

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

Category of waste
Residential
Construction and
demolition
Commercial
Industrial
Hotels
Clinical /hospitals
Total

Generation of waste (in tons)

168.13
45.4
44.6
40.0
0.53
0.50
299.16

Waste generated (%)

56..20
15.17
14.91
13.38
0.17
0.16
100

Sources: Municipal Corporation Gorakhpur, 2009

This amount of solid waste is certainly a great threat to entire ecosystem and
hence, need an immediate remedial strategy. It is, therefore, essential to make
efforts to deal with the solid wastes through decentralized system of
management.
Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group in collaboration with M.G. Post
Graduate College, Gorakhpur, has taken up pilot initiative towards community
based solid waste management in Purdilpur ward of Gorakhpur city. This
initiative is supported by Rockefeller Foundation under the Asian Cities Climate
Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN). The initiative of GEAG and M.G.P.G
College was to comply with MSW handling rules 2000 3 in decentralized way
through participation of the community to bring sustainability to solid waste
management in the city. Initially 120 households of Purdilpur ward responded
positively, but latter, the number has gone up to 200 households. This initiative
aims at setting up a model of solid waste management before the local
government and creates awareness among the community towards community
based solid waste management.

RELEVANCE OF STUDY IN CONTEXT OF CLIMATE

CHANGE
The Solid waste is an important contributor of green house gases and cause of
climate change. The strong link between solid waste and climate change has
raised serious concerns all across the world. Increasing problems of solid waste
management and its disposal has given rise to environmental and health
hazards. Emissions of greenhouse gases in the Earths atmosphere have caused
climate change. Methane is released from the anaerobic decay of wastes in
landfills, and nitrous oxide from solid waste combustion.
Both of these greenhouse gases have high global warming potential. Methane
(CH4)has 25 times stronger global warming potential than carbon dioxide
(CO2)and nitrous oxide (N2O) has 310 times the global warming potential 4 . It is
often assumed that reducing the emission of CH4 from landfill solid waste
management would have the greatest potential for reducing global warming
impact on the overall climate change. Some carbon compound may be retained
in the landfill for a long time and not returned to the atmosphere as carbon
dioxide. There is risk of water contamination from leachate (liquor) formed as

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4

MSW, ACT 2000

TakeoTashiro,2004

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

waste decomposes. Solid waste not only contaminates water level but also the
soil.
Photo 1 : Unscientific land fill leading harmful effect
The physically fragile Gorakhpur city
and indifference attitude of local
governance regarding the solid waste
has played a catalytic role in
aggravating the problem of water
logging in the city 5 . Gorakhpur is a low
lying city with more than 22 % of the
area being the lowest in the city. The
low topographic gradient causes slow
runoff in majority part of the city and
cause widespread water logging for
more than 3-4 months 6 . Beside this, the
prevailing situation of open drains,
inadequate underground drainage
(only 20 per cent of the city) irregular
collection of solid waste from
households and roads to dumping grounds etc aggravated the problem of water
logging and many vector and water borne diseases.

In the vulnerability analysis, it has been drawn out that, the populace of the city
has described water logging as the most serious risk for the city. This risk is also
projected to increase due to climate change in which more rain fall is expected in
fewer days. Consequently any obstruction in flow of water will exacerbate the
vulnerability of the populace.
Figure: 2 Gorakhpur City : Risk Frame
From the vulnerability
assessment and SLDs with
stakeholders it was
revealed that problem of
solid waste and sewerage
has its own effect inform
the diseases and health
risks.
The figure 2 of risk frame
of the city explains the inter
connectedness of three
major identified risks.
Water logging being the
main risk, which tends to
enhance due to the
accumulation of solid waste and sewerage 7 . The existing situation of solid waste
management in the city is highly unsatisfactory mainly due to non availability of
adequate place for dumping of solid waste, inadequate staff, equipments,

Wajih , et al, 2009

Wajihetal,2010
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Wajihetal,2010
6

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

resources with Municipal Corporation, ineffective governance and lack of

people participation. In the present situation it is imperative to:

Evolve model for decentralized and cost effective solid waste management
with local peoples participation.
Conversion of waste into compost for useful purposes i.e to help in soil
fertility and organic manuring.
Avoiding accumulation of raw solid waste.

Thus, considering the graveness of the problem, community participation in

waste management has now become imperative. In India, the Environment
Protection Act 1986 has made mandatory to all the municipal corporations to
structure solid waste management plan to manage their solid waste 8 . It is also
obligatory that solid waste should be managed in an organized way i.e. starting
with collection, segregation, storage, transportation, processing and disposal of
solid wastes in compliance with the standards laid under MSW rule 2000.

CENTRALIZED AND DECENTRALIZED SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT
The Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation practice centralized solid waste
management. The disadvantage of centralized control of solid waste
management is that the wastes are not collected in an efficient manner.

Photo 2 : Over flowing Garbage bins

As a result, overflowing garbage bins at the

public collection sites, scattered garbage all
over is common scenario prevailing in most
colonies in the city. One of the obvious
advantages of a decentralized system is the
improved aesthetic and hygiene condition in
the locality. Also it will not require a
secondary garbage collection service by the
municipality. Decentralized schemes provide
better income and employment options to the
underprivileged sections of the society 9 .
The legal framework of the country, headed
by the Honble Supreme Court of India has
given support to community based waste management schemes through a
national legislation the Environmental Protection Act 1986. The community
can thus avail legal support for decentralized initiative of municipal waste
management.

NEED FOR DECENTRALIZED SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT

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TheGazetteofIndia,2000
RWA and toxic link, 2005

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

For the city like Gorakhpur, decentralized solid waste management system will
be more appropriate. Directly proportional to population increase, the solid
waste problem has become one of the prime concerns for the city Government.
Gorakhpur Municipal Corporation is finding difficult to dispose their wastes.
Existing dumpsites are overflowing and finding new dumpsites are difficult due
to a shortage of land within the municipal boundaries and surrounding rural
communities, inhabitants of cities and towns are denying the dumpsites to be
located in their vicinity. The best way to tackle these problems is to adopt
community based decentralized solid waste management.
There are many negative impacts that results from improper solid waste
management which are listed below and are planned to be minimized through
decentralized solid waste management in the city.

Uncollected waste often end up in drains, causing blockages which result in

overflowing and insanitary conditions
Flies breed in some constituents of solid wastes, and flies are very effective
vectors that spread disease.
Mosquitoes breed in blocked drains and in rainwater that is retained in
discarded cans, tyres and other objects. Mosquitoes spread disease,
including malaria and dengue.
Rats find shelter and food in waste dumps, consume and spoil food and
spread disease.
The open burning of waste causes air pollution; the products of combustion
are particularly hazardous.
Aerosols and dusts can spread fungi and pathogens from uncollected and
decomposing wastes.
Uncollected waste degrades the urban environment and aestheticism of the
city.
Dangerous items (such as broken glasses, needles and health care wastes)
mixed with Municipal solid waste pose risks of injury or poisoning and
consequent health problems.
Several health care items find their way in municipal dumps, get recycled
without sterilization and cause infection and serious health problems.
Polluted water i.e. leachate growing from the waste- dumps contaminates
ground water.
Liquids and fumes emanating from unauthorized dumping of chemical
wastes cause problems of health.
Landfill gas escapes in the atmosphere and quite often gets trapped
resulting in fires at the landfills.
Methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas that leads to Climate Change.
Fires often take place at the landfills and cause air pollution in the
surrounding areas.

A decentralized initiative has many advantages. The localized collection and

processing of wastes, avoids the carting of wastes too far off dumping sites. It
reduces the expenditure of imported diesel, consequent traffic congestions, air
pollution and road maintenance costs. It also reduces the contamination of
ground water through the seepage of leachate. The Government should, thus,
see the advantages of local treatment of wastes and provide facilities to

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

communities in order to make this a widespread practice. Financial support by

the Municipalities to the community based decentralized schemes will provide
the right impetus to waste treatment method.

BENEFITS OF DECENTRALIZED SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT
Apart from providing a sustainable solution to waste management, this system
has many direct as well as indirect economic, social, health and environmental
benefits. Some of the important benefits are:

ECONOMIC BENEFITS
This model is labour intensive rather than capital intensive. Thus, a solid waste
management system of this kind provides livelihood option. Proper and skilled
segregation of recyclable material fetches higher prices. Consequently, the
quality of end products made from these recyclables improves many folds,
which in turn, fetches higher prices and helps in preserving and promoting the
faith of committed consumers in these recyclable goods plus it can give a new
impetus to the recycling industry.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Photo 3 : Non- biodegradable collection site at MGPG College

The provision of formalizing the working

conditions of waste collectors provides them
with the opportunity to work in healthier
conditions. The provision of gloves, uniforms
and other safety equipment improves their
working condition. The neat and clean
neighborhood makes the area less prone to
diseases. The reduction in number of
mechanized vehicles used for primary
transportation of waste results in reduced
emission of many harmful gases, which
indirectly benefit the health of the all the
residents of the city.

SOCIAL BENEFITS
For waste collectors: The waste pickers could be substituted as waste collectors
and their livelihood would be formalized. They get better recognition and
dignity by working as formal waste collectors than as waste pickers.
Compost: The practice of making compost not only provides an extra source of
revenue for the system but also helps to reclaim the lost fertility of the soil. The
use and abuse of chemical fertilizers are well known and promotion of compost
as a natural manure is a pressing need of the time.
Empowered citizenry: Decentralized solid waste management systems, based
on the management and ownership of local people, have a lot to contribute to

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

the strengthening of civil society and will result in creation of a much more
awared and empowered citizens, who will carry forward these new skills in
various other walks of life.

PROGRAMME BACKGROUND
INTERVENTION AREA
Gorakhpur Environmental Action Group in association with M.G. Post Graduate
College initiated a community based solid waste management as a pilot
program in Purdilpur ward of Gorakhpur city from 16th August 2009. This
initiative has adopted an integrated approach in implementation of the program.

3HOUSEHOLDS INVOLVED

Photo 4: Segregation of Recycled and Inert Waste

Initially, in this project, only 120

households were involved, later on, the
number rose to 200 households and
included one hotel also.

PROCESS/METHODOLOGY
ADOPTED

Door to door waste collection.

Segregation of biodegradable and
non-biodegradable wastes at
sources.
The biodegradable waste was
treated by bacterial culture for
composting.
Segregation of non-bio- degradable
waste into recyclable waste and inert waste.
Recyclable and Inert waste is sold.

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTING TEAM

Project Coordinator, Research Scientist, Supervisor and two Swachak (waste
collectors) were appointed for the pilot project.

PROGRAMME DURATION
10 months

PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES, STEPS AND PROCESS OF

INTERVENTIONS

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

The programmes objective was to develop a model of solid waste management

at local level with community participation. Besides it, the sub objective was to
evolve a mechanism of solid waste management at an urban locality level for
demonstration which includes:

Conversion of solid waste to useful purpose ( through composting )

Community participation in management
Integration of civil society, local body (Municipal Corporation) and
private sectors (bank and academic institution in management.

COMMUNITY MOBILIZATION
To make the pilot program a successful venture, the community of Purdilpur
ward had been mobilized by organizing various meetings, awareness programs.
Community accepted the pilot program whole heartily and cooperated for
keeping their mohalla/colony clean and healthy.

WASTE COLLECTION
In these process two workers collects waste from the houses of the colony every
day. They go from door to door in the morning, collecting the unsorted waste.
The waste is transported by a hand cart where the primary sorting of organic
and inorganic waste is carried out in two large bags. One supervisor was
appointed to cover specific areas to ensure that daily waste collection was done
properly. He also attends to the residents complaints about regular collection.

SEGREGATION OF SOLID WASTE

Solid waste of households is segregated into following categories:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Different grades of non-biodegradable recyclable plastic materials.

Non-biodegradable recyclable thick-paper cartons.
Non-recyclable inert plastic materials.
Aluminum / metal cans
Biodegradable wastes
Inert

The first four comprise the non-biodegradable type that can be recycled. The
fifth type, i.e. the biodegradable waste can be converted into compost in 40 to 50
days by using cultures.

DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

From the served area of Purdilpur about 01 quintal of garbage was collected
every day by the workers from the residential location and one hotel. In this
waste it is calculated that about 25.23 % of the waste is inorganic material such
as cardboard, gutaka wrapper, biscuit wrapper, detergent powder packet,
namkeen packet etc while 71.47 % of which is biodegradable waste, and 03.3
% inert.
Fig 3: Characteristics of Solid Waste
Inert
3%

Recyclable waste is sold to the waste

pickers for recycling; inert wastes are
dumped at sites for land filling and
the biodegradable wastes is used for
organic composting for producing
good quality of organic manure.

Non Biodegradable
25%

Biodegradable
72%

GENERAL CHARACTER OF
SOLID WASTE IN CITY

As per the data provided by the municipal corporation about 300 tons of solid
waste is generated every day. It is about 50 tons more than the national average
which is estimated to be 350 gms. /p.capita/ p.day. However our study reveals
that about 200 tons of waste is generated every day. This household waste, viz.
bio-degradable and non-biodegradable waste which includes plastics is collected
by municipal workers from dustbins, streets and road sides. The presented
quantitative analysis is based on waste generation in Purdilpur mohalla and
disposal methods used in the M.G.Post Graduate College. The solid waste
produced from city of Gorakhpur comprises of 72%of organic, 25%non organic
consisting of paper, metal, glass, textiles, plastic and 3% debris and undefined
waste.
Table 2 : Percentage of Non Bio Degradable Solid Waste
Plastics
58.98%

Paper
33.03%

Glass
5.09%

Metal
1.93%
Source: Computed from field study

AVERAGE GENERATION AND VOLUME OF SOLID WASTE IN

INTERVENTION AREA
Table 3 : Average Weight Analysis of the Solid Waste in Kgs
Generation of
Waste
Average / day
Per house / day

Biodegradable

Recyclable

Inert Waste

Total

193.400
0.957

29.400
0.147

11.200
0.056

234.000
1.170

Source : Computed From field study

WASTE GENERATION BY VARIOUS SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROUPS IN

INTERVENTION AREA

A PILOT PROGRAMME
(IN PURDILPUR WARD
OF GORAKHPUR CITY)

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Figure : 4 Waste Generation of various socio economic group

DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

Average Solid Waste generation every

day by households of Higher Income
Group (HIG), Middle Income Group
(MIG) and Lower Income Group (LIG) in
the intervention area (Purdilpur Ward,
Gorakhpur) is shown in the Fig.4.

PROCESS OF COMPOSTING
The process of composting converts the
humid organic kitchen waste into
compost that can be used as an organic
fertilizer. This process involves three
steps :
Photo 3 : Spreading of decayed waste

1. Decomposition of the
biodegradable waste on a
decom-position- bed using
micro- organisms culture
(s) requires 30 35 days to
convert the wastes into
black decomposed mass.

Photo 4 : View of Composting site

2. Composting of the decomposed matter in

concrete composting-pits in which entire
mass is rotated using spade at alternate
days to provide aeration in composting
process. Around 30 35 days are required
for completing this process.
3. Quality testing of prepared compost after
drying in the air, sieving and obtaining
uniformly granular form for packing.

USE OF CULTURE (CHEMICAL AND INDIGENOUS) AND ITS NAMES

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PARTICIPTAION

The cultures of micro-organisms used, were supplied by the Muskan Jyoti

Sansthan of Lucknow 10 . These cultures took 35 days for completing
decomposition and these were used for the preparation of first lot of organic
compost. The Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Centre of M.G. Post
Graduate College, Gorakhpur; started preparing more efficient microorganisms culture-mixture which replaced the traditional culture, so that the
time required on completion of decomposition may significantly be reduced.

METHOD OF CULTURE PREPARATION

In the months of October November 2009, 152 bacteria and 47 fungal isolates
were separated for decaying organic matter near Ramgarh Lake, decaying
vegetable wastes in Sahebganj, Sabzi Mandi, Fruit Market and certain stagnant
water pools in Gorakhpur City. Each of these isolates, for the purpose of
preparation of pure culture in the laboratory, had been tested for its cellulolytic,
pectolytic and lignolytic ability and, on the basis of such abilities they had been
grouped as relatively higher or lower potential. Those micro-organisms,
showing relatively higher lytic potential, had been selected. This way, 19
cultures of bacteria and 7 cultures of fungi were prepared. These cultures were
used for the preparation of the culture-mixtures and in turn, for decomposition
process.
The bacteria and fungi selected for the preparation of culture-mixtures used in
decomposition of humid organic wastes on the basis of their cellulolytic,
pectolytic and lignolytic abilities are as follows :
Table : 4 Bacteria and fungi used in culture preparation
Bacteria
Bacillus subtilis
Staphylococcus aureus
Spirillum sp.
Streptococcus sp.
Diplococcus sp.
Escherichia coli

Fungi
Aspergillus niger
Aspergillus flavus
Fusarium oxysporum
Penicillium notatum
Rhizopus stolonifer
Candida albicans
Source : Department of Bio technology, MGPG C7ollege, Gorakhpur

Table shows the variety of microorganisms used for preparation of culturemixtures which were tested first for decomposition process in vitro. After
getting better in vitro results, these culture-mixtures had been tested directly in
the field. The results of such experiment in field had been very encouraging and
are described below:
Table : 5 Types of Culture- mixture and Numbers of Days taken for
Decomposition

10

Muskan Jyoti Sansthan, is a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) which has been successfully

providing comprehensive solid waste management services to a part of the city since 1994. Its
operations include street cleaning, garbage collection, sorting, transportation, disposal and vermicomposting. It recovers the operation and maintenance cost from the households served.

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

Type of cultures
Traditional Culture-mixture
Culture Mixture 1
Culture Mixture 2
Culture Mixture 3
Culture Mixture 4

No of days taken for decomposition

30 35 Days
25 30 Days
15 20 Days
20 25 Days
25 30 Days
Source : Department of Bio technology, MGPG College, Gorakhpur

The Culture-Mixture 2 has been found to be the most effective because it took
15 20 days for decomposing wet kitchen waste which is just half the days taken
by Traditional Culture-Mixture (30 35 days). This culture-mixture accelerates
the process of decomposition of solid waste and saves time, hence, has been
used for decomposition purpose.

AMOUNT OF CULTURE USED IN PROPORTION TO THE WEIGHT OF

SOLID WASTE
The concentrated culture-mixtures should not be used directly but should be
diluted with water in the ratio of 20:1 .The application of culture mixture is
based on total weight of the biodegradable solid waste.

TOTAL TIME REQUIRED FOR PREPARATION OF COMPOST

Decomposition of solid wastes requires 30 35 days or 15 20 days for its
completion. Composting requires 30 35 days for its completion

INPUT OUTPUT RATIO OF COMPOST MAKING

The Input of biodegradable waste and output of ready-to-use organic manure is
obtained in the ratio of 3 : 1.

QUALITY OF COMPOST AND ITS COMPARISON WITH CHEMICAL

FERTILIZER
The prepared manure has been tested for its ingredients such as Nitrogen,
Phosphorus, Potash and Organic carbon and the Carbon / Nitrogen (C/N) ratio
is calculated for its quality assessment. The organic manure prepared from the
traditional micro-organism culture-mixture and micro-organism Culture
Mixture 2 contain following quantity of ingredients:

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Table: 6 Difference of Quality of Compost Prepared through Waste

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

Compost prepared from traditional

micro-organism culture-mixture
Components/Ingredients Quantity in
grams
Nitrogen (N)
0.85 g / 100 g

Compost prepared from micro-organism

Culture Mixture 2
Components/Ingredients Quantity in
grams
Nitrogen (N):
1.00 g / 100 g

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus (P):

0.47 g / 100 g

Potash (K)
1.05 g / 100 g
Organic Carbon
7.6 g / 100 g
Carbon and Nitrogen (i.e. C/N) contained
in the compost are in the ratio of 7.6: 1.

0.60 g / 100 g

Potash (K):
1.50 g / 100 g
Organic Carbon
11.6 g / 100 g
Carbon and Nitrogen (i.e. C/N) contained
in the compost are in the ratio of 11.6: 1.

Source : Department of Bio technology, MGPG College, Gorakhpur

Thus, it is clear that micro-organism Culture Mixture 2 accelerates the process

of decomposition of biodegradable wastes in relatively shorter period containing
essential ingredients shown above in better quantity. Thus, this Culture mixture2 is considered superior to traditional micro-organism culture- mixture .It is
important to note that the quality of Organic Manure, being eco friendly,
containing perfect ratio of the nutrients should not be compared with the
chemical fertilizers. The chemical fertilizer in pure form includes urea, diphosphate nitrates or in mixtures of N, P, K in a high ratio to enhance the plant
growth; whereas in organic fertilizer these components are existing in a
biologically active ratio and are eco-friendly.
For sake of understanding the advantages and disadvantages of chemical and
organic fertilizers can be explained. The advantage of chemical fertilizer is that
chemical fertilizers are rich in three essential nutrients that are needed for crops
and are ready for immediate supply of nutrients to plants if situation demands
but the disadvantage is that it is costly, artificially produced from synthetic
materials and several chemical fertilizers have high acid contents while
advantage of organic compost is that it is cheaper and made from natural
materials derived from living things. The organic compost adds natural
nutrients to soil, increases the soil organic matter, improves soil structure, tilth,
improves water holding capacity. It also reduces soil crusting problems,
erosion from wind or water and has slow and consistent release of nutrient. The
disadvantage is that it has slow release capability and distribution of nutrition
in not equal.

CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH COMPOSTING

The decomposition and the composting sites should be in a covered area

with definite boundaries.
The decomposition process of the biodegradable wastes was disturbed by
animals.
Opening of the culture-treated, air-tight biodegradable-waste-beds cause
serious damages to the decomposition process.
Identifying the active microbial culture-mixture which can decompose the
bio degradable waste in shorter period.

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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PARTICIPTAION

IMPACT OF PROGRAMME IN INTERVENTION AREA

ENVIRONMENTAL
The intervention area distinctly exhibits a difference in environment of past and
the present. The noted differences are:
The roads and the lanes are seen clean and there is no dumping of garbage
here and there
No polythene and plastic materials are seen scattered on the road
There are seen no overflow of drains due to polythene-bags and other plastic
materials clogging drains

PEOPLE PERCEPTION
The residents of the intervention area were interviewed to find the difference in
the present and past atmosphere and their attitude is noted positive towards the
Pilot Project:
They experience a clean environment in present time with no foul-smelling,
rotten organic solid waste scattered here and there on the roads.
They are now happy to dispose off their solid waste in a better and ecofriendly way.

KEY ISSUES AND LESSONS

These are as follows:

Implementation of MSW rule 2000 is one of the important aspect of

decentralized solid waste management. It includes collection, segregation,
storage, transportation and disposal of Solid Wastewith the prescribed
standards and parameters.

For Sanitation and cleanliness issue, public awareness together with prompt
action by the Nagar Nigam is prerequisite.

Both the above mentioned issues are to be tackled strongly, distinctly and with
full dedication by both public and Municipal Corporation.
After the successful completion of the Pilot Project, all the financial and
Personnel responsibilities should be taken over by the Nagar Nigam,
Gorakhpur. In case, Nagar Nigam gets certain big Projects on these issues
sanctioned by the Central / State Governments, the process of taking over this
Project, in toto, will be an easier task for the Nagar Nigam.

LONG TERM IMPACT AND VIABILITY OF

PROGRAMME

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

The long term impact and viability of the program depends largely on the
people/ citizen of the Gorakhpur city and the Nagar Nigam. The long-term
impact of this program can be described as follows :

Clean roads and lanes.

Efficient sewerage system
Portable drinking water
City free from epidemics such as cholera, hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery
There is no problem of traffic jam
A city free from the menace of water logging
Pollution free environment
Earning opportunities and more livelihood options
Recognition to waste collectors
Up scaling Solid Waste Management in other communities
Landfill diversion through composting and increased recycling inorganic
waste
Recovery of natural resources

STRATELGY TO BE ADOPTED FOR ITS

SUSTAINABILITY
Strategies adopted for sustainability are as follows:
Community participation in the program.
Awareness program for the citizen of Gorakhpur.
Establishment of Solid waste collection and treatment sites in all the 72
Municipal wards of the city.
Nagar Nigam should take over the program with complete financial and
mechanical support.
Establishment of sale units for sale of organic Manure.
Conduct of Advanced research program.

CONSTRAINTS AND CHALLENGES IN UP SCALING

These are as follows:
Limited resources
Marketing of compost
Shortage of land for segregation of wastes and composting
Monitoring and supervision of the programme
Availability of the trained personnel for the Program
Nagar Nigams unwillingness to implement the MSW rule 2000

OVERVIEW OF COST-BENEFITS OF THE INTERVENTION

An analysis was carried out to understand the overall costs and benefits involved
in the Program. Income and expenditure details of the program during

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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PARTICIPTAION

commissioning and operations were collected to see whether the project was
capable of making profit and sustaining itself for a long term. The income was
calculated based on sale of manure and recyclable materials. Expenditure was
figured out through the operational costs in terms of salaries and consumables.
Also depreciation costs (at an assumed rate) for hardware installed at the facility
were added to this expenditure on an annual basis to arrive at the total
expenditure.

In case the program covers the entire city and the collection and treatment
sites in all 70 municipal wards are developed, it may result into production
of higher amount of organic manure and the recyclable materials, which, in
turn, may result into a higher amount of returns from sale of manure and
recyclable material in comparison to the cost involved in their production.

The high salaried personnel (Research Scientists) are likely to be stationed at

the Research Laboratory in the Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Centre
of M.G. Post Graduate College; from where they will be monitoring and
supervising the functioning of each of the 70 working sites cost effectively.

Under PPP system of the program, the residents of different wards have to
pay nominal charges. This will certainly add up to the benefit side of the
program and help in transferring the positive impact of cost benefit analysis
to wards.

RECOMMENDATIONS

As M.G. Post Graduate College, Gorakhpur was taken up as

working/operating site for pilot program initiative, similar
working/operating sites needs to be established in all the 70 municipal
wards of Gorakhpur city.

Nagar Nigam is required to take up this Project with complete financial and
mechanical back-up.

Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Centre of M.G. Post Graduate

College, Gorakhpur is required to be established as the Nodal Unit for
developing scientific interventions, formulating strategies for bringing
about sustainability of the program and providing recommendations,
suggestions ,modifications and alterations whenever and wherever
required.

Marketing units are required to be established for the sale of prepared

organic Manure and other products such as efficient Culture-Mixtures and
the recyclable materials.

Since solid waste management is a peoples programme, the implementing

agencies should adopt the participatory approach during the entire course
of implementation, which can create a sense of ownership among the
community people and towards the sustainability of the programme.

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
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PARTICIPTAION

Local schools should be involved. The schools can work as a bridge in

dissemination of information from the functionaries to the families and the
entire community.

Institutionalization linkage between municipality and the community is

critical for sustainability of the programme.

There should be a provision of the incentives for the communities who are
coming forward for the waste management programme in terms of up
scaling the SWM.

For the self-sustainability of the programme, ownership must lie upon

waste collectors, community (CBOs, or Committee) that helps in creating
sustainable interest among them.

There is need to incorporate waste management with livelihood, sanitation,

health and hygiene issues for a sustainable interest amongst the workers as
well the community.

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REFERENCES

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DECENTRALIZED SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT
THROUGH COMMUNITY
PARTICIPTAION

Verma , S. S, (2009) : Geohydrological Study of Gorakhpur city, Sectoral study

conducted by the Department of Geography , DDU
Gorakhpur University, under the Asian Cities climate
Change Resilience Network ( ACCCRN) process and
sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation , published by
GEAG, Gorakhpur.
Wajih, S, Singh B.K, Tripathi, S, Bartarya, E, Srivastava, A, Singh, A.K, Goyal, S, (
2009) : Vulnerability analysis of Gorarkpur city, under
the Asian Cities climate Change Resilience Network (
ACCCRN) process and sponsored by the Rockefeller
Foundation , published by GEAG, Gorakhpur.
The Gazetter of India : Part II Sec 3 ( ii) Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2000
Ministry of Environment and Forest, Govt. of India, New
Delhi, 25 September, 2000.
Pastore, P Md. Tariq, Rani , U, Kumar, V( 2005) : An Initiative towards
decentralized solid waste management , A collaborative
effort of RWA- Defense colony, New Delhi and Toxic link
( An Environmental NGO), New Delhi
Takeo Tashiro (2004) : Solid Waste Management and Global warming, power
point presentation, 14 Oct., 2004, South Pecific Regional
Environmental Programme.
Wajih, S, Singh, B.K., Bartarya, E and ISET Team- 2010 : Towards a Resilient
Gorakhpur, under the Asian Cities Climate Change
Resilience Network process and sponsored by the
Rockefeller Foundation, published by GEAG, Gorakhpur

*****

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