IISc comes up with a plan for disposing its garbage

Project launched on pilot basis in January this year

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has embarked on a full-scale project for treating and disposing of solid waste generated within the Institute by itself, thus setting an example for others.

An initiative of the Centre for Infrastructure Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) at IISc, the project involves simple measure such as segregation of garbage at source. It also proposes to set up a solid waste management cell (SWM cell) at the Institute. The cell, an advisory body, is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that any waste leaving the campus does not go to the landfills and is in a form that could be used by recyclers. Clearly defined roles have also been laid down for a department right from its chairman to its students.

The project titled ‘Solid Waste Management Initiative for IISc (SWaMII),’ has received good reviews from IISc director and would be implemented in a phased manner by April. A draft of the project is with Deccan Herald.

 The different kinds of waste or ‘waste streams’ of various departments have been identified as - organic or wet waste, dry waste, sanitary waste and e-waste. They have been clearly demarcated to ensure easy disposal or recycling.

For example, plastic bags and bottles are classified as dry waste; soiled food covers and containers will fall in the same category if they are rinsed and dried. The draft also highlights different levels of sorting, processing and handling for each kind of the waste.

Starting at the office level, colour-coded bins would be used for disposal of the different waste streams. The waste will then be sorted and emptied on a daily basis into large segregated common department bins that have also been colour-coded accordingly. A collection van will transport the waste at a fixed time each day from all the departments to a primary processing facility (PPF). This facility will be set up within the SWM cell to collect, process and store waste until it is either given to recycling vendors or treated in house. Dedicated staff and supervisor will be trained for the purpose.

Pilot project
The project is presently being implemented on a pilot basis in the department of civil engineering since January  2015 with very positive results. A solid waste management committee had been formed and training sessions had been conducted for housekeeping staff.

An analysis of the pilot implementation showed the generation of three kg of sanitary waste per week, 19 kg of plastics and 29 kg of paper. All of these then are given to recycling vendors. Another 10 kg of wet waste generated is used in a compost bin within the department.