Waste Management has emerged as one of the most critical challenges of modern society. Rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, and technological advancement have significantly increased the quantity and complexity of waste generated at the household, institutional, and industrial levels. Recognising the need for informed citizens who can contribute to sustainable solutions, this open elective course for second-year students has been designed to provide a foundational understanding of waste handling, treatment, and eco-friendly disposal practices.
The course introduces learners to the core concepts of waste management, including the classification of waste, methods of processing solid, chemical, and electronic waste, and the importance of recycling and composting. Special emphasis is placed on municipal solid waste collection systems, institutional waste disposal techniques, and safety precautions involved in handling waste. Students will also explore national waste management policies, regulatory frameworks, and reporting mechanisms that guide sustainable waste practices in India.
A significant portion of the course is dedicated to organic waste management. Students will learn about composting, vermicomposting, and waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies, highlighting how organic materials can be transformed into valuable resources. This practical and application-oriented approach aims to develop responsible environmental behaviour among the learners.
This 2-credit open elective encourages students from all disciplines to understand the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of waste management. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped with essential knowledge and skills to adopt scientific, safe, and sustainable waste management practices in their daily lives and future professional settings.
Contents –
Unit – I
1. Introduction to Waste Management
2. Municipal Solid Waste Collection Systems and Disposal
Unit – II
3. Policy Instruments on Waste Management
4. Organic Waste Composting
