India produces 62 million tons of solid waste every year, but only 75–80% of municipal solid waste gets collected and only 22–28% waste is processed and responsibly disposed off, according to the MoEFCC. This number can be a lot higher if the waste is segregated at source, before its disposal.
Source segregation is the first and the most important step to solve the problem. All the waste management interventions or solutions are futile if there is lack of segregation of waste at source.
The most impactful and efficient way to close the loop on waste is to start by segregating waste at source before disposing it. Separating waste into two streams – wet waste and dry waste (hazardous waste including Covid-19 related waste but must be wrapped in a paper and marked with a cross before disposal) would lead to more recycling and less waste ending up in landfills.
Partnership with local NGOs, for on-ground implementation and engagement activities is advisable as they can use their existing local network for outreach to bulk generators/ housing societies management teams and on-ground activity for organising and executing community engagement events.
Community Activities
Awareness Flyers & Posters
The curriculum follows the journey of Plasto, Rani and Raj who are on a mission to clean up India and learn about waste management along the way.
The WNM kit comprises of 4 units of 12 animated videos, 16 grade-specific activity worksheets, and 1 teacher training- self-learning guide. Available in 3 languages: English, Marathi, and Hindi on DIKSHA website and App and YouTube.
To drive sustainable behaviour change and effective IEC campaign should target two critical stakeholders:
It is important to do on-ground training focusing on health and safety and importance of segregation
It is important to drive a community effect for widespread outreach and action
For an effective campaign that ensure direct (and indirect) engagement for all stakeholders and results in wide spread out reach and familiarity a good mix of ATL (above the line) and BTL (below the line) activities are needed.