Design and Development of a Low-Cost Mechanical Waste Segregation System for Urban India

ABSTRACT With burgeoning urbanisation and economic development, generation of municipal solid waste has increased very quickly, and hence safe disposal and recycling of the same has become a challenging task. Conventional methods of segregation by hand or through sensor-based technologies have their own drawbacks: hand separation is hazardous to personnel, while sensor-based is costly. In this study, a mechanical segregation method involving mechanical components to separate different forms of dry waste is proposed. The method mitigates human risk, conserves operational cost compared to sensor-based options, and maximizes waste volume that can be handled daily. In alignment with the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission, the strategy facilitates sustainable solid waste management through the encouragement of the concepts of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3Rs). The proposed model is centered on safe, affordable, and scalable waste management and hence gives urban local governments a realistic path towards achieving environmentally friendly waste handling. Keywords: Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Waste Segregation, Mechanical Waste Sorting, Solid Waste Management, Sustainable Waste Handling, Swachh Bharat Mission, Reduce Reuse Recycle (3Rs), Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF), Waste Screening and Separation, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)