Waste Collection and Transportation

In many cities, waste collection services fail to reach all areas of the town or city. People are left to manage their own waste, which they do by burning and burying it, or dumping on open spaces. Sometimes large bins or skips are provided but they may be irregularly emptied, and also overflow when the contents is picked over by waste pickers and animals.

In Bangladesh, in order to help increase the overall capacity for collecting household waste, Practical Action has promoted a door-to-door collection service run by local NGOs. Residents pay a service charge in addition to their municipal rates, but in return they receive a regular service, leading to a cleaner neighbourhood.

In Faridpur, the local NGO, WORD, with technical backstopping from Practical Action serves more than 5,000 customers with waste collection. There are three main types of customer, non-slum households, slum households and institutions. Slum-based households are charged the lowest tariffs (minimum BDT 10) while the institutional rate is highest (minimum BDT 150).

The numbers of slum households is small because the alternative option of localized composting (with a barrel system) was widely taken up. This is easier than collection through vans and is useful for slum people as they can use the compost later. Waste collectors use small rickshaw vans for the collection service. Recently we have also introduced small small rickshaw vans and small motorized versions for the collection service.

The waste is taken to a composting facility where it is sorted and the organic portion is separated for composting, and in some cases for generating biogas. In 2008, WORD started the waste collection business with only 525 customers. In the last 8 years, the number has increased more than tenfold (5,100 customer per month) making the solid waste management a viable business. It has not only contributed to a better living environment, but also generated green and dignified jobs for 21 waste workers.

The municipal conservancy department continues to play a regulatory and coordinating role through the Waste Management Steering Committee. This meets regularly to discuss any emerging issues and review the progress of door-to-door collection services. The conservancy department continues to manage the sweeping of streets and drains, and collection of waste from some areas of the town, from vegetable markets and slaughter houses. The only recycling and reuse of organic waste is done by WORD, as all municipal waste for now continues to be disposed at an open dumping site where no further treatment, sorting or reuse takes place.

In Nepal, Practical Action has facilitated organic waste management under a public-private partnership model. For example, in Butwal Municipality, a private firm, Marry Gold Concern, collects and manages wastes from 400 households with a monthly service fee of NPR 50 (GBP 0.33) in an area called Ramnagar. The company employs three operators for collecting and managing waste from low income communities. A compost plant has been set up which processes up to 10 metric tonnes of organic waste and generate 5 metric tonnes of compost per month. In addition, recyclable waste, mainly plastic, is sold to scrap dealers, creating another source of income.

Recycling and Disposal by Forming Associations and Enterprises

In Bangladesh, collection services have been organised through existing local NGOs. In Nepal, Practical Action has instead helped to form different groups of Informal Waste Workers (IWW) such as street waste pickers, waste segregators, pheriya (dry waste pickers), scrap owners and door to door collectors.

We have worked intensively  with IWW from five municipalities of Kathmandu Valley. We have facilitated the establishment of a IWWs association called Samyukta Safai Jagaran (SASAJA), and the first waste workers’ cooperative with the same name. These organisations have distributed identity cards to members to increase their recognition as an ‘official’ part of the waste management system. We provided basic safety equipment to 5,622 IWWs, including rain boots/shoes, gloves, masks, raincoats, windcheaters with trouser and wrapper, aprons, cap etc. to minimize health risks.

Following capacity building and skill enhancement training from Practical Action, many of the IWW group members have established waste-based enterprises. For example, plastic tearing (PET bottle and carton crushing or pressing) for recycling and reuse; paper recycling and mechanical composting of organic waste. This approach has been scaled up in other municipalities in Chitwan and Rupadehi districts reaching around 350 IWWs there.

Reducing Waste through Home Composting

In Nepal and Sri Lanka, and in some slum communities in Bangladesh, we have promoted barrel composting of organic waste. This has the dual benefit of producing compost locally which can be used for home gardening, and reducing the amount of waste that needs to be collected and disposed of elsewhere.

It can reduce the amount of organic waste coming in to the waste collection stream by about 20-30%. It requires community involvement in waste management system as well as frequent monitoring and troubleshooting. This process ensures source segregation of waste, a necessary condition for proper implementation of the 3R system (reuse, reduce and recycle).

Practical Action has distributed more than 2,000 compost bins in Sri Lanka. Especially in Galle, Kurunegala and Akkaraipattu cities where we have distributed about 1,500 home composting bins from 2006 to 2016. More than 65% of the bins are being regularly used.

Our experience shows that once a locality is provided with home composting, the volume of organic waste into the municipal collection system is reduced around 20-30%. However, this varies greatly by locations. If the local authority strictly monitors the compost bin usage and provides troubleshooting support, waste reduction can reach up to 30%.

Both Kurunegala and Galle municipal councils have upscaled the distribution of bins city-wide with the support of national government funding. This technology was taken up by the private sector and other municipal councils. It has been used widely in the country as a solution for reducing organic waste coming in to the waste collection system. For example, Kandy municipal council has adopted the technology with strict restriction on organic waste collection in the municipality collection system.

The Provincial Agriculture department in Kurunegala and the Coconut cultivation board in Akkaraipattu are both promoting organic agriculture with the usage of composting and are using Practical Action’s work as examples for expansion. The central government has provided seeds and fertilizer to city dwellers, including the urban poor, to promote home gardening.

This has been further expanded by Kurunegala municipal council which has distributed potted plants. Some of the vertical gardening structures promoted by Practical Action are now included in urban gardening models of the Western Province Urban Agriculture unit.

The post Solid Waste Management in South Asia – Practical Action’s Experience first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.

You can also opt for materials made from natural sources instead of petroleum-based synthetics like bamboo sheets or paper products made from post-consumer waste. On the practical level, giving renewable energy-sourced power sources like reusable solar batteries can help keep your significant other charged up while doing their part to reduce carbon emissions. Whatever you decide on, gifting an eco-friendly item will be appreciated by your partner and Mother Nature alike! Keep reading to learn more about eco-friendly gifts and how they can make a big difference this New Year!

Here are some eco-friendly gifts for couples to explore:

1. Reusable Water Bottles

We all know that plastic water bottles are terrible for the environment. Helping couples kickstart their journey towards an eco-friendly lifestyle starts by gifting them reusable water bottles! Reusable water bottles can come in many different materials, such as stainless steel, glass, bamboo, or even silicone. Not only do they look great, but they’re also convenient and sustainable! Many companies even offer personalization options so each couple can have their own unique set of reusable water bottles.

2. Cannabis Gummies

This New Year, cannabis-infused edibles are an exciting option for couples who want to give each other something special. Gummies offer a discreet way to enjoy cannabis-infused products and feature consistent doses that make it easier for you and your significant other to pace yourselves. These delicious gummies come in different flavors and dosages, making them perfect for all occasions. Whether you are gifting a seasoned pro or someone who is trying these treats out for the first time, there’s no reason to miss out on this unique new opportunity.

3. Clay Statues

Clay statues may be a great option if you’re looking for the perfect eco-friendly gift this new year. People have been making clay sculptures for thousands of years and today’s process for creating these unique items involves minimal energy consumption, thus limiting the environmental impact of their production. Plus, clay statues can last generations and require no additional energy to maintain them, making clay a great material to give as a new year’s gift to someone special (or even to yourself).

Each statue is unique in its design and texture, giving it character and charm that other materials can’t replicate. Clay statuettes are an excellent way to commemorate special occasions without damaging the environment or your wallet.

4. Organic Cotton Beddings

Another tremendous eco-friendly gift idea is organic cotton bedding! Organic cotton is grown without harsh chemicals or pesticides, making it much better for the environment than traditional bedding made from synthetic materials. Organic cotton beddings also tend to be much softer and more comfortable than synthetic counterparts. Plus, they come in various colors and styles, so you can find something that matches every couple’s style!

5. Organic Lingerie

Organic lingerie takes a classic intimate gift to the next level by blending sensuality with sustainability. Made from organic fibers like cotton, hemp, or bamboo, these pieces offer a softer, chemical-free touch against the skin, enhancing comfort while reducing environmental impact.

Choosing organic lingerie as a New Year’s gift sends a powerful message—it shows that you care about your partner’s well-being as well as the health of our planet. Not only will you both feel good wearing it, but you’ll also feel good about making a responsible, eco-friendly choice.

6. Plants and Seeds

This New Year, a great gift idea for couples is to give plants and seeds as a symbol of love and growth. Plants and seeds offer the perfect way to represent the couple’s shared journey in the coming year. They add a unique touch to the home — flowers for bright, blooming moments or succulents for infinite resilience — providing aesthetic and practical value. Plants are also known to have incredible therapeutic effects making them a significant present from partners to each other such that they can tend to these little reminders of their bond throughout the year.

7. Compost Bin

This New Year is a great time to look for sustainable gifts, and what better way to do that than with a compost bin?

Composting is an easy and green way to reduce landfill waste and help the environment by turning food scraps into nutrient-rich soil. Composting encourages a balanced cycle of organic matter, which helps build healthy, “living” soils for gardening. It’s also great for plants because it helps replenish nitrogen and potassium levels, opens up soil structure, and buffers pH. People looking for ways to help the environment can try getting a compost bin as a gift or even give one as an excellent present!

They are exceedingly beneficial to the planet and can also be aesthetically pleasing when cheerfully placed in gardens or on balconies. So this New Year, let’s spread joy while helping the environment with eco-friendly gifts like compost bins!

8. Energy Saving Appliances

A great way to help couples save money and be more eco-friendly is by giving them energy-saving appliances. This could be anything from an energy-efficient washer/dryer set to LED light bulbs or solar panels! Plus, many energy-saving appliances come with tax incentives, making them even more attractive gifts! By investing in energy-saving appliances now, couples can save money on their electricity bills while still doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint.

Conclusion

This new year has plenty of unique eco-friendly gift ideas that will make perfect gifts for any couple! From reusable water bottles to compost bins to energy-saving appliances, these sustainable gifts will bring joy and help couples on their journey towards living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. So why not start 2023 on a green foot by giving the special people in your life some thoughtful yet practical gifts this holiday season?

Happy shopping!

The post 8 Eco-friendly Gift Ideas For Couples This New Year first appeared on BioEnergy Consult.