A Dumping Reality Check – Domestic Hazardous Waste in India
Did you know that simply tossing out items like nail polish, glue, dyes, or expired medicines with your regular household waste can actually be harmful? Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW) might be generated in smaller quantities compared to regular waste, but its potential risks to the environment and human health are significant. According to a study published in the Journal of Urban Management (December 2021), the 62 million tons (MT) of waste generated annually in India includes 7.9 MT of hazardous waste, 5.6 MT of plastic waste, 1.5 MT of e-waste, and 0.17 MT of biomedical waste. Moreover, the Indian Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has projected that annual waste generation in India will increase to 165 MT by 2030.
Due to rapid urbanization and a lack of awareness about the harmful effects, India is one of the top countries in generating municipal waste. A report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) revealed that India generates over 62 MT of waste per year. Unfortunately, only 43 MT of the total waste generated is collected, with 12 MT being treated before disposal, and the remaining 31 MT simply discarded in wasteyards. However, most of the waste generated not only remains untreated but inadequate waste collection and disposal have become major causes for environmental and public health concerns in the country.
A study conducted by Toxics Link across various cities in India found a severe lack of health and environmental consciousness among households and waste workers. Shockingly, more than 65% of households admitted to mixing almost every category of Household Biomedical Waste (HBMW) with regular household waste, while others resorted to draining expired or leftover syrups before discarding the bottles or even burning leftover/expired medicines, pregnancy and sugar testing strips, and disposable PPE. This improper disposal of hazardous waste has led to its traces being found in most landfills, contributing to a significant level of toxic heavy metals and persistent organic contaminants like pesticides in these sites.
This demonstrates the urgent need for heightened awareness and effective waste management systems to address the growing issue of domestic hazardous waste and its impact on the environment and public health.
The issue of domestic hazardous waste (DHW) poses significant challenges on several fronts.
Environmental Concerns
Improper disposal of prescription drugs, antidepressants, and muscle relaxants in water bodies has resulted in decreased fish populations, as noted by the United States Geological Survey. Additionally, untreated medicines and residues that remain even after waste treatment can harm food crops. Expired medicines also contribute to landfill contamination, while mercury from discarded bulbs and thermometers adds to environmental and health hazards.
Health Impact
The impact of DHW on human and animal health is profound. Exposure to domestic hazardous waste can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, organ damage, lung scarring, skin and eye irritation, stomach discomfort, and toxic effects on the nervous and digestive systems. According to the Toxics Link report, hazardous substances present in DHW can also cause severe health effects including behavioral abnormalities, genetic mutations, and physiological malfunctions.
Occupational risks
The mishandling of household hazardous waste presents occupational hazards, including injuries, exposure to toxins, and burns. Studies indicate that many waste handlers do not utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), significantly increasing the risk of injury.
Suggestions for Handling Domestic Hazardous Waste in India
The Indian government has made significant strides in addressing the issue of domestic hazardous waste through legislative measures like the Municipal Solid Waste Rules, 2016.
It is imperative for urban local bodies and municipalities to implement by-laws that specifically enforce source segregation and proper management of domestic hazardous waste.
Regular visual inspections of waste piles can aid in identifying non-compliance and issuing notices for violations, and repeated violations should result in ‘no waste pickup’.
Capacity-building programs for local officials and waste workers can facilitate smoother day-to-day operations.
Designating separate collection days for different categories of domestic hazardous waste, with prior notification, can enhance source segregation.
Waste collection agencies should be empowered to refuse waste pickup in the event of waste mixing, following adequate notice.
(Inputs from Toxics Link report – Domestic Hazardous Waste – An Emerging Concern in India)