An Economic Evaluation of Solid Waste Management in Uttar Pradesh: Insights from Lucknow

This study attempts an economic evaluation of solid waste management (SWM) in Uttar Pradesh, specifically in the city of Lucknow. It analyzes waste generation, composition, collection systems, and disposal practices, offering valuable perspectives on the SWM challenges and capabilities within the city. Results show that about 47% of waste is organic waste, making the proper separation between different types of waste essential to reduce transport costs and reduce the impact on the environment. Despite positive step-changes in waste collection, such as the roll-out of a range of vehicles and smart bins, challenges like wet waste disposal or under-delivery on waste-to-energy solutions remain challenges. This way, analysis of the impact of MSW disposal highlights adverse effects on soil and water supply. The study calls for better practices, like the use of liners to reduce leachate contamination. As the study compares the systems of Lucknow against those of Delhi, it highlights a gap between the two cities, where Lucknow can benefit from a more economical, yet effective waste-to-energy systems based on this study, while in the longer run, it reiterates the necessity of integrated waste management system for sustainable economic and environmental development.