Over the past few decades, rapid urbanization in India has led to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. As a result, unscientific and poorly managed landfills have increased, contributing to severe environmental and health hazards. Addressing these challenges requires effective legacy waste management solutions. Landfill mining presents a promising approach by reclaiming valuable land and recovering materials. However, large-scale adoption remains limited due to policy gaps, regulatory inconsistencies, and financial constraints. This chapter critically examines India’s existing policy framework on landfill mining and evaluates its effectiveness in promoting sustainable legacy waste management. It identifies major barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, weak law enforcement mechanisms, and limited financial incentives. Additionally, this chapter explores how integrating circular economy principles into landfill mining can enhance resource recovery, reduce environmental pollution, and improve long-term waste management strategies. The findings emphasize the need for clear regulations, investments in advanced waste processing technologies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders. Strengthening policy frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and introducing economic incentives can accelerate the adoption of landfill mining. By aligning landfill reclamation efforts with circular economy strategies, India can transform waste into a valuable resource, reduce long-term environmental risks, and move towards a more sustainable waste management system.

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Unlocking the Potential of Landfill Mining in India: A Circular Approach to Waste Management

  • Anusree Nalladiyil,
  • B. Prathima,
  • G. L. Sivakumar Babu

摘要

Over the past few decades, rapid urbanization in India has led to an increase in municipal solid waste (MSW) generation. As a result, unscientific and poorly managed landfills have increased, contributing to severe environmental and health hazards. Addressing these challenges requires effective legacy waste management solutions. Landfill mining presents a promising approach by reclaiming valuable land and recovering materials. However, large-scale adoption remains limited due to policy gaps, regulatory inconsistencies, and financial constraints. This chapter critically examines India’s existing policy framework on landfill mining and evaluates its effectiveness in promoting sustainable legacy waste management. It identifies major barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, weak law enforcement mechanisms, and limited financial incentives. Additionally, this chapter explores how integrating circular economy principles into landfill mining can enhance resource recovery, reduce environmental pollution, and improve long-term waste management strategies. The findings emphasize the need for clear regulations, investments in advanced waste processing technologies, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders. Strengthening policy frameworks, fostering public-private partnerships, and introducing economic incentives can accelerate the adoption of landfill mining. By aligning landfill reclamation efforts with circular economy strategies, India can transform waste into a valuable resource, reduce long-term environmental risks, and move towards a more sustainable waste management system.