In India, collection, segregation, transportation, and disposal of
solid waste are often unscientific and chaotic. Uncontrolled dumping
of wastes on the outskirts of towns and cities has created overflowing
landfills, which have environmental impacts in the form of
pollution to soil, groundwater, and air, and also contribute to global
warming (Chattopadhyay et al., 2007a). In the absence of formalized
waste segregation practices, recycling has emerged only
as an informal sector using outdated technology, which causes
serious health problems to waste–pickers (Plastindia, 2006).
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the waste managing authority,
has begun to analyze the existing waste management situation
with the goal of improvement along with the help of financial
assistance from different authorities. In the year 1998, the govern-
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