Waste management is a serious issue that has prevailed over the years across several countries. The major cause of the increasing landfill spaces and accumulating waste is awareness among consumers and manufacturers.
People generally have no idea about the product they use, its impact on the environment, where they end up after using it, etc.
This is where decentralized waste management comes into play. Instead of sending the waste products directly to a landfill, each community takes charge of processing and managing the waste in their locality.
What is Decentralised Waste Management?
Managing waste closest to the point of the origination of waste generation is localized or decentralized management. This allows for the break-up of not just waste streams but also of processing of smaller quantities of waste. So simply put, decentralized waste management is the process where waste is managed at a point closest to where the waste is actually generated. The only waste that cannot be managed initially with a decentralized mechanism is sent for further processing.
Benefits of Decentralized Waste Management:
Better Quality:
While seemingly counterintuitive, the reality is that even the most advanced technological advancements that have been made in waste segregation still can’t compare with the ability of trained and skilled workers to segregate waste material.
Although technology has advanced when it comes to waste management, it's not even close when it comes to the quality assurance provided by workers.
Investing in small-scale entrepreneurs
By investing in a decentralized waste management system, you are not only assuring the quality of waste and minimizing the overall cost, you are in fact investing in small-scale businesses. These businesses recruit waste pickers from poor households, migrants, etc. So, in the end, you are the reason for them to be able to meet their daily livelihood necessities. Make sure to have a look at how they treat the workers before choosing small-scale businesses offering decentralized waste management. At Dalmia Polypro the safety, hygiene, and well-being of waste pickers are top priorities of the company.
Less expensive transportation
In decentralized systems, garbage is graded and sorted locally rather than being transported across long distances to a centralized hub. Because of this, transportation is significantly more affordable and cost-effective.
Landfill space saved
Sending the collected waste directly to landfills, where they will be paid a tipping charge, is a common way for large centralized waste management providers to operate successfully. However, that's not the case with decentralized platforms. By managing the waste locally, they actually contribute in reducing the amount of landfill space used up due to unregulated dumping.
Anti-Corruption
Due to the rights to significant waste management contracts being used as political leverage, the waste management system has developed a reputation for encouraging corruption. Systems that are decentralized aid in building resilience against such monopolistic and dishonest behaviours.
How to achieve it?
To achieve decentralized waste management the first thing one needs is a road map to break down the waste stream and facilities available.
For a successful decentralized facility, you will need proper infrastructure and a good vendor. Dalmia Polypro has been in the plastic waste management business since 2006 and stretching the plastic circular economy. Have a look at what Dalmia Polypro does on the official website right away and get your effective waste management journey started.