Turning Trash to Treasure: Unlocking Revenue and Clean Air from Kolkata's Dhapa Dumpsite

Abstract

Solid waste generation has become a pressing environmental issue in India, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth. Kolkata, as one of India's most populous cities, faces significant challenges in managing its solid waste effectively. This paper explores the state of solid waste generation in Kolkata, focusing on the Dhapa dumpsite, and proposes solutions to generate revenue from waste management activities. Kolkata generates approximately 4,500 metric tonnes of solid waste daily, comprising various types such as organic, plastic, paper, glass, and electronic waste. The city's waste management infrastructure struggles to cope with the escalating volume and complexity of waste generated. Legacy waste, accumulated over decades at sites like Dhapa landfill, poses additional challenges, including environmental degradation and health risks. Discussions on the efforts to address legacy waste through biomining and bioremediation techniques have been discussed. Landfill gas (LFG) extraction and utilization as well as possible opportunities for converting waste into energy, is also discussed. The economic feasibility of waste management initiatives at Dhapa depends on factors such as technological innovation, political will, and revenue generation from recovered materials. Public-private partnerships and incentivizing private sector involvement can enhance efficiency and innovation in waste management. Finally, addressing the economic dimensions of waste management in Kolkata requires a holistic approach integrating technological innovation, policy reform, and stakeholder engagement. By aligning economic incentives with environmental objectives, Kolkata can create a sustainable and prosperous future where waste is treated as a valuable resource.