Plastic Waste Characterization in Municipal Solid Waste: A Case Study of Nagar Palika Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh)

Abstract

Plastics are used in a greater number of applications in worldwide and it becomes essential part of our daily life. In Indian cities and villages people use the plastics in buying vegetable as a carry bag, drinking water bottle, use of plastic furniture in home, plastics objects use in kitchen, plastic drums in packing and storage of the different chemicals for industrial use, use plastic utensils in home and many more uses. After usage of plastics, it will become part of waste garbage and create pollution due to presence of toxic chemicals and it will be spread diseases and give birth to uncontrolled issues in social society. In current scenario consumption of plastic waste increasing day by day and it is very difficult to manage the plastic waste. There are limited methodologies available for reutilization of plastic waste again. Such examples are recycling, landfill, incineration, gasification and hydrogenation. In this paper we will review the existing methodologies of utilization of plastic waste in current scenario.

Introduction

Plastic is widely used across various sectors—packaging, electronics, agriculture—and makes up a significant portion (5–15% by weight, 20–30% by volume) of municipal solid waste (MSW). Thermoplastics dominate, and due to rising consumption and short product lifespans, plastic solid waste (PSW) is increasing. Landfills are overwhelmed, and incineration poses environmental risks. Alternative methods like biodegradation and fuel recovery are gaining attention.

2. Study Overview

• Location: Chitrakoot Dham (Karwi), Uttar Pradesh

• Population: ~95,894 (2011 Census)

• Focus: Monthly plastic waste trends and management in 2024

3. Key Objectives

• Measure monthly plastic waste and its share in MSW

• Analyze seasonal trends and impact of awareness campaigns

• Assess waste utilization technologies

• Propose an integrated plastic waste management model

4. Key Findings

• Plastic waste share in MSW (2024): ~12.7% average

• Peak months: May–June (up to 15.31%) – likely due to higher consumption and tourism

• Lowest month: December (11.11%)

• Awareness Campaigns: Aarambh 6.0 and Yuma 4.0 (July 2024) helped promote sustainable alternatives like cloth bags and biodegradable plates.

5. Plastic Waste Utilization Pathways

1. Liquefaction: Converts plastics into fuel oil and gas

2. Pyrolysis: Produces hydrocarbons via oxygen-free decomposition

3. Tar-Bitumen Mix: Used in road construction to enhance durability

4. Concrete Mixing: Plastics replace natural aggregates in construction

5. Recycling: Cleaned plastic is agglutinated, extruded into reusable products

6. Proposed Plastic Waste Management Model

• Segregation at source and dedicated collection

• Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for sorting and recycling

• Promotion of compostable alternatives to single-use plastic

• Safe disposal of non-recyclable waste (e.g., co-processing, secured landfills)

• Policy support: Plastic Waste Management Rules

• Community engagement through awareness campaigns

Conclusion

The study of plastic waste generation in Chitrakoot (Karwi, U.P.) during 2024 highlights the increasing contribution of plastics to the municipal solid waste (MSW) stream, averaging 12–15% of the total waste generated monthly. Seasonal variation was evident, with the highest proportion of plastic waste recorded in June (15.31%), likely driven by increased consumption patterns and tourism, and the lowest in December (11.11%). This demonstrates that plastic has become a consistent and integral fraction of MSW, demanding systematic management interventions. The trend analysis further emphasizes the effectiveness of awareness campaigns such as Aarambh 6.0 and Yuma 4.0, which promoted cloth bags, biodegradable plates, and reduced dependence on polythene. These initiatives underscore the importance of community participation and behaviour change alongside technical interventions. Plastic waste utilization pathways—including pyrolysis, liquefaction, incorporation into bitumen, mixing with concrete, and extrusion into new products—provide multiple opportunities for resource recovery, energy generation, and sustainable construction. However, the success of these technologies depends on reliable segregation, proper collection, and the availability of processing infrastructure. The proposed plastic waste management model for Chitrakoot integrates source segregation, dedicated collection, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), recycling, and safe disposal of non-recyclables. Supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Plastic Waste Management Rules and guided by technical standards (e.g., ISO 17088:2012, ISO 15270:2013), the model presents a practical pathway to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution. Nevertheless, weak enforcement, limited efficiency of MRFs, and insufficient public participation remain critical barriers. Strengthening segregation at source, improving recycling infrastructure, and promoting compostable alternatives are essential to achieving sustainable outcomes. Aligning local practices with national and international standards, while simultaneously enhancing awareness and governance, will enable Chitrakoot to transition towards a circular economy for plastics, thereby reducing environmental impacts and ensuring long-term urban sustainability.

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Yoshita Ray, G. S. Gupta, Vandana Pathak. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.