Assessment of Solid Waste Management System of Jabalpur City and Useful Recommendation for the Development of Sustainable SWM System

Rapid urbanization, population growth, and changing consumption patterns have significantly increased the quantity and complexity of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Indian cities. Jabalpur city, an important urban center of Madhya Pradesh, generates a heterogeneous waste stream comprising municipal, hazardous, and biomedical waste, posing serious environmental and public health concerns. The present study provides a comprehensive assessment of the existing solid waste management system of Jabalpur city using an integrated approach involving field surveys, stakeholder interactions, secondary data analysis, and GIS-based spatial mapping. Waste generation rates, physical composition, collection efficiency, segregation practices, transportation logistics, processing capacity, and disposal methods were systematically evaluated. Results indicate dominance of biodegradable organic waste (≈55–60%), followed by recyclable dry waste (≈25–30%) and hazardous fractions. Despite policy provisions under Solid Waste Management Rules (2016), segregation at source remains inadequate, processing infrastructure is underutilized, and waste disposal is largely dependent on open dumping practices. GIS analysis identified major waste-generating zones and environmentally vulnerable areas associated with landfill sites. The study proposes technically feasible and sustainable interventions including decentralized composting, strengthened material recovery facilities, scientific landfill development, and institutional integration of informal waste workers. The findings highlight the urgent need for a transition from disposal-oriented to resource-oriented waste management to achieve environmental sustainability in Jabalpur city.