Status of household solid waste in Bengaluru and its periphery: synergies and disjunctions between waste management practices and circular economy

The amount of household solid waste generated in a developing economy is increasing with a changing composition due to rising consumerism and aspirations. Improper management of waste results in a linear flow of materials with adverse environmental consequences. To understand the status of solid waste generation in households and management practices with respect to varying levels of urbanization, a study has been conducted in two peripheral landscapes of Bengaluru. Primary data from households was collected from three zones (urban, peri-urban and rural zones) in each landscape. The total quantity of waste generated is the highest in urban zones (0.52 kg per capita per day), whereas the rural zone of the southern periphery of the city has the lowest per capita solid waste generation (0.38 kg per day). Middle-income groups produce a higher quantity of solid waste which is largely contributed by non-biodegradable waste. Segregation of waste and management of biodegradable waste at the household level are observed to be in a better state in rural areas, which are more relevant to circular economy approach as compared to urban and peri-urban areas. The shift towards a successful waste management system for circular material flow requires citizens’ participation, behavioural change, and involvement of local governments and entrepreneurs.