The abysmal state of and challenges in municipal solid waste management
(MSWM) in urban India is the motivation of the present study. Urbanization
contributes enhanced municipal solid waste (MSW) generation and unscientific handling
of MSW degrades the urban environment and causes health hazards. In this
paper, an attempt is made to evaluate the major parameters of MSWM, in addition
to a comprehensive review of MSW generation, its characterization, collection, and
treatment options as practiced in India. The current status of MSWM in Indian states
and important cities of India is also reported. The essential conditions for harnessing
optimal benefits from the possibilities for public private partnership and challenges
thereof and unnoticeable role of rag-pickers are also discussed. The study
concludes that installation of decentralized solid waste processing units in metropolitan
cities/towns and development of formal recycling industry sector is the need
of the hour in developing countries like India.