Seasonal variation in municipal solid waste generation in nct of delhi-the 4 R'S approach

The generation of waste has been a part of human civilization. It is an unavoidable by product of human activities. Urbanization, industrialization and rapid growth of population, have led to increase in the quantity and complexity of generated waste. The burgeoning population of Delhi (16.75 million, as per census, 2011) has lead to many fold increase in generation of solid waste. This tremendous increase is due to many factors like changing life style, food habits, living standard of urban population etc. Considering this an attempt has been made to analyze the seasonal variation in municipal solid waste generation in NCT of Delhi for period 2005–2011. For this coefficient of variation and chisquare test has been used. 2008–09 was an extraordinary year in terms of waste generation as hectic construction activity was in progress related to hosting of Commonwealth Games in 2010. The turnover was also high during summer season (i.e. May to July) and in major festival season (i.e. October to November). A recourse to 4 R's- as an approach is suggested for management/reduction in generated waste. The 4 R's are Refuse (preference for use of item already in possession and refusal to buy new ones), Reuse (changed use of the same item instead of throwing it), Recycle (use of items that can be used over and over again), and Reduce (reducing in generation of unnecessary waste). This four R's approach would help in reducing the generation of waste and hence would contribute to maintenance of clean environment and sustainable living.