Garbage Disposal: A Study on the Awareness and Behaviour Regarding Waste Segregation

Abstract

The topic of environmental protection has attained importance in the present era
globally. But, simple practices like proper waste disposal are often neglected, as a resultof which, today one of the most important concerns and worries of the community is the disposal of solid waste. Public participation has a direct bearing on effective and efficient solid waste management. People all around the globe are aware of the impact of improper waste disposal practices, but improper techniques of implementation give rise to chaotic situations. To find out the practicality of implementation of waste segregation from households, this survey was carried out to obtain information on awareness of waste management practices and the attitude of people towards household waste disposal. The research method for the study on the views of disposing of garbage segregated into green and blue dustbins is based on in-depth interviews conducted in Delhi. A door-to-door interview was conducted of people in Delhi with a sample size of 25. Sampling done was random sampling. The questions were semi structured. The analysis gave insights into to how people separate the garbage, whether they were aware of waste segregation as well as their knowledge about the different types (colours) of dustbins, facility for garbage vehicles available in their area. The outcome indicates that the awareness among people to dispose of garbage segregated into green and blue dustbins in Delhi is low. There are efforts to increase awareness and promote proper waste segregation, but are either not substantial or are not very effective. The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has been carrying out a door-to-door campaign for the segregation of waste but visible outcome is not evident. This research study on waste segregation conducted in Delhi reveals that lack of awareness and loosely implemented laws, which are some of the challenges to proper waste segregation and disposal. The study also reveals the necessity for giving mass awareness regarding the segregation of household waste and managing them properly through PSA (Public Service Announcement), T.V commercials, cinema commercials, publicity at community places, advertisements, etc.
Objective:
• To study the awareness of people of Delhi regarding waste/ garbage segregation.
• To study of awareness of people regarding green and blue dustbins.
• To study attitude and user behaviour of people of Delhi regarding garbage disposal
in terms of segregation of garbage into green and blue dustbins.
Method
An in-depth interview method was adopted in this study. Door-to-door interviews
were conducted of people in Delhi. A sample size of 25 was taken for this study.
Sampling technique used was random sampling. The questions were semi structured.
A qualitative analysis was done of the interviews. Also an extensive review of literature was made to construct the background and famework of the study.