Sustainable Waste Management in India: Biomedical, Plastic, and E-Waste

Sustainable Waste Management in India: Biomedical, Plastic, and E-Waste

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Environmental Science

Waste Management – I

Management of biomedical waste, plastic waste and E-waste

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1. “Downcycling” of plastic waste refers to:

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2. The “informal sector” in waste management refers to:

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3. Which of the following is NOT a common method of disposing of biomedical waste?

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4. Pyrolysis and gasification are thermal treatment processes primarily used for:

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5. Which of the following is a major challenge in the management of e-waste?

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6. The concept of “zero waste” aims to:

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7. Which of the following is NOT a common challenge in the collection and transfer of plastic waste?

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8. The “Basel Ban Amendment” aims to

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9. Which international organization is responsible for developing guidelines and standards for the management of hazardous wastes, including e-waste?

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10. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of biomedical waste?

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11. The “Stockholm Convention” primarily addresses:

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12. “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR) in waste management means:

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13. Which type of plastic is commonly used in medical devices and can leach harmful chemicals into the environment?

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14. “Leachate” generated in landfills is primarily composed of:

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15. “Producer Responsibility Organizations” (PROs) are primarily involved in:

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16. The “Cradle-to-Cradle” approach to waste management emphasizes:

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17. Which type of plastic is known for its high recyclability and is often used in beverage bottles?

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18. The term “biomedical waste” encompasses waste generated from:

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19. Which type of plastic is most commonly used in single-use packaging and is notoriously difficult to recycle?

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20. The “informal sector” plays a significant role in e-waste recycling, particularly in developing countries. However, this sector is often associated with:

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21. The “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” is primarily composed of:

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India, a country with more than 1.4 billion citizens, is dealing with a growing waste management issue. Biomedical, plastic, and electronic trash (e-waste) are being produced at an exponential rate due to rising urbanization, industrialization, and growing consumerism. This article explores the origins, traits, and methods of management of these waste streams within the Indian setting, emphasizing the difficulties and possible solutions.

Biomedical Waste: A Growing Concern


An astounding 550 tons of biomedical waste are produced daily by the Indian healthcare sector, according to a 2021 report published by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). If not adequately managed, this waste—which includes sharps, infectious materials, and pharmaceutical waste—poses serious threats to human health and the environment. The issue was made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a spike in the production of biomedical waste, which included worn masks and PPE kits.

Plastic Waste: A Pervasive Threat

The amount of plastic garbage produced in India annually is projected to be 16.5 million tonnes, a result of the country’s recent surge in plastic usage. The majority of this waste ends up in landfills, clogs sewers, and pollutes aquatic bodies; only a small portion gets recycled. The government’s decision to outlaw single-use plastics is a positive move, but much more work has to be done to address this widespread issue.

Plastic Waste

Electronic Waste:

India produces 3.2 million tonnes of e-waste annually, making it the world’s third-largest generator. Hazardous substances including lead, mercury, and cadmium are present in this garbage, which also includes abandoned equipment like laptops, refrigerators, and cell phones. Inadequate handling of electronic trash can result in contaminated soil and water, presenting significant health hazards to both people and the ecosystem.

Waste Management Procedures: What Needs to Change

The infrastructure in India for managing waste is not up to par with the amount and variety of waste produced. Municipal and biomedical waste are frequently combined, which can result in inappropriate disposal and health risks. The lack of structured mechanisms for collection and segregation of plastic garbage makes recycling difficult. Unsafe dismantling and recycling procedures result from the unorganised sector’s handling of a considerable share of the informal e-waste management process.

In the Direction of a Sustainable Solution

The Biomedical garbage Management Rules (2016) and the Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016) are two of the many steps the Indian government has taken to improve garbage management. The efficient application of these regulations is still difficult, though. To address this complicated issue, a comprehensive strategy including all stakeholders—including the government, business community, and civil society—is required.

India needs to concentrate on the following in order to address the waste management crisis:

Increasing the number of biomedical waste treatment facilities, supporting decentralised plastic waste management systems, and creating official e-waste recycling centres are some ways to strengthen the infrastructure for trash management.


Encouraging citizens to separate waste at the source will help to facilitate recycling and lessen the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Awareness campaigns and incentives can play a big part in this.


Encouraging environmentally friendly product development and consumption: Increasing the lifespan of electronic devices, cutting down on packaging waste, and promoting eco-friendly items can all help cut down on waste creation.

For India, managing its biological, plastic, and electronic waste is a major concern. Nonetheless, India can move towards a more sustainable and circular economy—where waste is seen as a resource rather than a burden—with coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.

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