Waste circularity is emerging as a sustainable solution to India's mounting solid waste crisis. Discuss the key principles of waste circularity and the government's initiative in this regard. How effective have these measures been in fostering a circular economy?

(i) absence of segregation at source (ii) unscientific waste collection methods (iii) Dumping of waste : open sites (iv) lack of efficient recycling.

This has contributed to an immense solid waste crisis manifesting in huge urban landfills. E.g. Delhi.

Waste circularity promises to be an effective solution to this crisis owing to the following factors -

1. Incentivizes efficient waste disposal e.g. Waste to wealth.
2. Takes a life-cycle approach to solid waste management.

1. Allows for re-extraction of valuable components such as critical minerals, semi-conducting materials. eg Lithium from phone batteries.

2. Key Principles → Waste to wealth → Sustainable use → Waste recycling → Integrated waste management → Extended producer Responsibility → Segregation and scientific management

Government measures

1. Solid Waste Management Rules → advocate segregation at source, recycling.

2. E-waste management Rule → Extended Producer Responsibility to collect E-waste

3. Plastic waste management Rules → ban on single use plastics.

Efficacy

1. Boost to circular economy: waste processing centers. eg→ E-waste center in Bhopal.

2. Better waste management → declining landfills

3. Incentivizing value obtainment from waste.