Plastic Waste Management Crisis: Local Report Reveals 7% Mixed Waste in Landfill Content

Suraj Singh

The report highlights poor segregation practices, a significant backlog of waste, and ineffective plastic recycling mechanisms. Authorities estimate over 13,995 tons of plastic-related waste were recorded, with top-layer disposal causing environmental threats. Experts urge a revamp in waste management strategy.

Press Post India

A recent report from the local environmental department in Silvassa, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, has raised alarms over the growing inefficiencies in plastic waste disposal and segregation. According to field surveys and data collection conducted across the district, it was discovered that 7% of landfill content consists of plastic waste—a figure considered dangerously high for a union territory striving for sustainability.

Local dumps, particularly those located near residential zones, have shown alarming trends of plastic waste being mixed with top-layer debris—making it nearly impossible to separate or recycle effectively. This blend of organic and inorganic waste renders most of it useless for recovery or reuse.

The issue was especially evident in ward-level collection reports where 13,995 units of plastic-related trash were reported, with 4,500+ units improperly disposed. These numbers reflect a breakdown not only in waste collection but also in waste education and enforcement policies.

Officials from the Environmental Services Division noted that while the Municipal Waste Plan (MWP) had provisions for plastic segregation zones and recycling units, the implementation on the ground remains dismal. Recycling centers are running below capacity, and awareness campaigns have not effectively reached small vendors and households.

Experts have now proposed a multi-tier reform:

• Upgrading sorting equipment at the landfill.

• Training waste collectors in plastic identification.

• Community-level awareness programs in schools and markets.

• Fines for improper disposal by commercial units.

Moreover, the Department of Environment is preparing a fresh mandate to work with the National Green Tribunal to ensure compliance under the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.

As climate conditions worsen and the region’s consumption grows, plastic waste could become a public health threat, warns the report. Citizens are urged to reduce single-use plastics and actively participate in clean-up initiatives.

 Key Insights:

• 7% of waste in Silvassa’s landfill is plastic.

• 13,995 tons of plastic-related waste reported.

• Top-layer mixed waste hindering recycling.

• Local authorities under pressure to reform.