A comprehensive study on municipal solid waste management practices in Jamshedpur City, India

In developing nations such as India, managing municipal solid waste (MSW) presents a substantial challenge, with around 90% of MSW disposed of in open dumps and unregulated landfills. This improper waste disposal poses serious health risks to nearby communities. This study delves into MSW’s characteristics, separation, collection, transportation, and disposal techniques in Jamshedpur, India. Information was gathered through personal visits, interviews, and official records from the Municipal Corporation and Jamshedpur Utility Service Company Pvt. Ltd., currently known as Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Limited (TSUISL), a subsidiary of Tata Enterprise. TSUISL manages municipal services and efficiently handles waste management tasks such as collection, storage, transportation, and processing. Techniques such as composting and bio-methanation convert waste into valuable resources, reducing landfill pressure. This study aims to understand the MSW management framework implemented by TSUISL and provide practical recommendations to enhance the city’s existing waste management system.