The growing menace of plastic waste and poor solid waste management (SWM) systems in Indian cities has become a critical concern. The following images showcase the current scenario of waste accumulation, ineffective segregation, and rampant plastic pollution. These practices pose severe threats to human health, the environment, and urban infrastructure.

A heap of discarded packaged food items, mostly made of plastic, dumped in open land. Such dumping leads to soil contamination, attracts animals, and worsens urban waste crises.

A large open dumping site in a densely populated urban area, surrounded by incomplete infrastructure. Cattle feed on waste, which often includes hazardous materials, leading to health issues for both animals and humans.

Informal waste pickers and cattle rummaging through unsegregated waste outside a waste management facility. Such scenes reflect the lack of proper waste segregation and occupational health risks.

Heavy machinery and workers operate in a dumpsite surrounded by plastic and other non-biodegradable waste. The unscientific handling of waste leads to groundwater pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Threats and Solutions

Plastic pollution severely affects ecosystems, public health, and urban aesthetics. Cows and stray animals ingesting plastic waste suffer from fatal diseases. Human exposure to microplastics via food and water can lead to long-term health consequences. Ineffective waste handling clogs drainage systems and contributes to urban flooding.

• Implement strict source segregation of wet and dry waste.
• Promote decentralized waste processing such as composting and biogas units.
• Ban single-use plastics and encourage reusable alternatives.
• Improve awareness and education on sustainable waste practices.
• Formalize and support the informal waste-picking sector.
• Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) on plastic manufacturers.