REASONABLE SEGREGATION

In one previous post, I had written about segregation into several categories. Firstly, because segregation becomes a habit and one becomes passionate about segregation- so one feels like doing more and more categories of segregation. Examples are cited of some countries where dry waste is to be compulsorily segregated into at least 9 categories. By such extensive segregation, it is hoped that every bit of scrap goes for recycling. However, in all this well- intentioned process, here we come across some problems.

Most important is- even if we segregate, there is no guarantee that the items will not be mixed again during transportation. This is the commonest problem faced by Parlekars. I have met many Parlekars who separate out the wet-dry only to see them being mixed down the corridor by their waste- collector- no wonder they give up on it. Here, segregation fails at the first step itself.

Suppose this step is negotiated- the next challenge is storage of different kinds of dry waste. The average house in Parle is quite moderate sized. Balcony, verandah, utility-space are practically unavailable. In fact most parlekars are habituated to storing even less- frequently worn clothes on lofts or under the divan. Still, maybe, one can find one sq foot place to keep one sack of dry waste, but where will we keep several? An elegant solution is suggested by use of partitioned sack/ bags, or by hanging these bags on hooks. I have tried these methods and it does take extra time to open the bags and deposit the wastes. And sometimes the doors don’t stay in place because the bags bulge with bulky objects.

Still if this step is also crossed- next comes the problem of disposal. The bmc collection van collects in one category ‘dry waste’. Suppose the SPA van comes to your place- then the weighing and storage of different categories is so lengthy and then calculation still further takes time- and one wonders whether it has any meaning at all. Especially because the totally carbon footprint increases as the van needs to make many trips to get the same amount of waste collected. Plus this is really of no use as further segregation has to be done at the recycling centre- because for any sensible recycling- dry waste needs to be divided into 60 types- which none can do at their place.

So! We need to do something called as ‘reasonable’ segregation, which is to be designed specially for every waste management system. It should take into account- storage facility, transport and processing. The simplest segregation strategy is the 4 category strategy which is

1. Organic/ green/ wet/ compostable waste

2. Recyclable/ Dry waste

3. Building materials waste

4. Hazardous waste and trash