The average quantity of solid waste produced in an average Indian city varies from 0.5 to 0.8 kg per capita per day, with highest generation rate in larger cites followed by medium and small cities. Based on the information collected by CPCB from time-to-time, the reported/estimated waste generation in the country is 1, 41,064 tons/day and out of which, 127531 tons/day (90%) is collected and 34,752 tons/ day (27%) is processed. Factors affecting the generation rates are: Geographic location Season of the year Collection frequency Use of kitchen waste grinders Standard of living or life style of the residence of the city/town extent of salvaging and recycling Public attitudes, and Legislation. Generation rates for developed countries are higher due to their higher living standards and too much use of package food. These countries also have greater industrial and commercial activities. In winter season especially in colder countries lot of wood is burnt to get protection from the cold. These would result in increase in generation rate of ashes. If the waste is recycled within the house then obviously the quantity of waste generated would be less For example a single polyethylene bag which had been used as a packing material for some item can reuse multiple times to bring different items from the market. Stringent regulation for controlling the use and disposal of the products, which becomes solid waste a use can help in controlling the generation rate. For example ban of polyethylene bags can reduce content of plastic in the solid waste and thus help in overall reduction of the volume of solid waste generation. Attitude of a person also plays an important role in controlling the generation rate. If a person has an attitude to reuse the waste/products multiple times, it would definitely help in reducing the generation rate of solid waste.
