Bhubaneswar’s Groundbreaking Approach to Sanitary Waste Management
In a pioneering move, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to introduce plasma technology for the disposal of used sanitary and baby pads, as well as similar household waste. This initiative is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time such advanced waste management technology will be employed in the state, addressing a pressing environmental issue while also prioritizing public health.
Understanding Household Hazardous Waste
Sanitary pads, often considered household hazardous waste, pose significant challenges in waste disposal. Traditionally, these items were mixed with general solid waste, ultimately finding their way to micro composting centers (MCC) or material recovery facilities (MRF). The resulting implications were twofold: health risks for those handling the waste and potential environmental hazards. Recognizing these issues, the BMC has implemented a strategy for the separate collection of this waste directly from households through dedicated waste collection vehicles equipped with specialized bins.
How Plasma Technology Works
Plasma technology for waste disposal involves a process of high-temperature incineration that transforms the waste into an inert ash, rendering it safe and non-hazardous. A senior officer from the BMC articulated that this method would be executed in a way to prevent secondary pollution, emphasizing that the enclosed nature of plasma operations is particularly suited for treating infectious waste.
During initial implementation phases, the BMC intends to conduct trial runs to ensure that the process abides by environmental norms and truly mitigates secondary pollution risks. This careful approach is crucial for instilling trust and demonstrating the viability of this new waste management method.
Waste Collection and Segregation Challenges
Currently, Bhubaneswar generates approximately three tonnes of used sanitary pads daily—primarily from baby pads. Although the city is equipped with waste collection vehicles having separate bins for hazardous waste, BMC officials acknowledge that societal taboos surrounding sanitary products hinder effective waste segregation at the source. Many individuals still resort to discarding used pads in neighborhood waste dumps or mixing them with regular household waste, which complicates treatment processes and negatively impacts the environment and public health.
To counteract these challenges, BMC additional commissioner (Sanitation) Suvendu Sahu notes that ongoing awareness campaigns are essential. By addressing these social stigmas and educating the public, the BMC hopes to foster greater cooperation and responsible disposal behaviors regarding sanitary waste.
Infrastructure and Future Plans
The BMC has committed to setting up exclusive facilities that will install plasma technology specifically for the disposal of sanitary waste. It’s noted that neither MCCs nor MRFs will be employed for this purpose, highlighting the unique and innovative approach the BMC is taking. The collected waste will be incinerated on-site, dramatically reducing the volume of waste that must be treated and minimizing the overall environmental impact.
Furthermore, initiatives will be put in place to ensure that the ash generated from the incineration process can be repurposed, with plans to collaborate with brick manufacturing industries for this purpose. This creates a closed-loop solution where waste not only gets disposed of responsibly but also contributes to new building materials.
Encouraging Community Involvement
For the success of this initiative, engagement with the community is critical. The BMC recognizes that effective waste management is not solely about technology; it also requires concerted efforts to change public perceptions and practices. To this end, the corporation plans to heighten awareness regarding the sanitary waste collection process, reassuring residents about the safety and importance of proper disposal.
By bringing together innovative technology with community engagement, the BMC is taking significant strides toward improving waste management practices in Bhubaneswar. As this initiative unfolds, it may serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.