Sustainable Management of Urban Solid Waste: A Case Study of Baramati Municipal Council, Pune District, Maharashtra

Abstract The Urban areas in India are suffering from the acute pressure of implementing sustainable Solid Waste Management for better environment. From local to global level, various attempts have been made to encounter the problem of solid waste management. This research paper examines the state of urban solid waste management in Baramati Municipal Council, Dist. Pune, Maharashtra, focusing on sustainable practices and challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of waste management systems, the study identifies key issues of Waste Segregation, Organic Waste Processing, Recycling Initiatives, Waste-to-Energy Technologies, Public Participation and Education etc. The paper also proposes the social, financial and technological aspects for improving sustainability. Based on the analysis, the paper proposes a framework for sustainable solid waste management tailored to the specific socio-economic and cultural context of Baramati. Recommendations include enhanced waste segregation policies, capacity building for municipal staff, public-private partnerships, and the implementation of digital tools for waste tracking and management. This research underscores the importance of a holistic and participatory approach in achieving long-term sustainability in urban solid waste management. The findings highlight the effectiveness of current practices procuring financial and social upliftment of the waste pickers and their role in the sustainable waste management policy making. The paper also focuses on the potential for enhanced waste management strategies to address infrastructure, financial, and behavioural challenges.