A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES OF BIO-WASTE MANAGEMENT IN INDIA AND ITALY

The aim of the present study is to compare the current level of implementation of bio-waste management in Italy and India. Italy generates about 1.33 kg/per capita/ day of municipal solid waste (MSW). Bio-waste makes up about 30% of the whole MSW generated and about 60% is recycled. The main process is by aerobic composting, whereas anaerobic digestion is used to a limited extent. In India waste production ranges from about 0.20 kg/per capita/day to about 0.60 kg/per capita/day. The amount of recycling of this waste is very poor and there is a lack of treatment facilities. Anaerobic digestion for the Indian scenario could be a suitable solution for co-treatment of bio-waste with other biodegradable materials in order to supply energy and fuel in rural areas. The main differences between the two countries concerning waste and in particular bio-waste management are mainly the recycling strategies, end of waste criteria and energy recovery perspective.