A. Baul Das^1,, C. Gurung²

Siliguri is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of West Bengal, India and faces the challenge of effective and sustainable solid waste management system. The existing centralised municipal solid waste management is managed by Siliguri Municipal Corporation. The present study was undertaken on the Domestic Solid Waste Management System within the area of Siliguri Municipal Corporation (SMC), as the major contributor of solid waste is domestic source. The study provides an overview of collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste from the domestic source and also analyses the Sunya Project and Bio mining project of dumping ground and composting unit regarding Zero Waste Management initiatives of Siliguri Municipal Corporation. The undertaken study further analyzes solid waste management practices in the selected households across the wards of Siliguri Municipal Corporation. The main objective of the study is to create awareness among the residents regarding sustainable zero solid waste management practices based on simple principles of 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). A survey was conducted on the basis of interview and questionnaire regarding how the residents manage solid wastes in their homes. People related to scrap business were also interviewed as they have been playing a very crucial role in solid waste management, even though till now scrap business is recognized only as an informal sector. The study, also involves some experimental work to incorporate residents in zero solid waste management initiatives, in which they were encouraged to religiously practice the principles of 3R i.e., Reduce, Reuse and Recycle of solid waste in their homes. Selected residents were encouraged to properly segregate and to Reduce waste by composting of kitchen waste and using it on rooftop or kitchen garden; to contact local scrap dealers to buy dry recyclable solid waste for Recycling and to Reuse common household items. The preliminary result of this simple study revealed approximately 65% reduction of domestic wastes simply by following simple 3 R principles. Based on this promising finding, it can therefore, be concluded that these strategies along with the existing Centralised Solid Waste Management System can go a long way in helping us to move towards a zero-waste society.

domestic solid waste management, zero waste management, 3R principles (reduce, reuse and recycle)