Kerala faces significant waste management challenges but exhibits strong government support and community engagement, presenting opportunities for growth in recycling and waste management initiatives.
Kerala generates approximately 6,000 tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per day, expected to rise to 7,500 tons by 2025, showcasing a significant waste management challenge.
Kerala boasts strong government support through initiatives like the Suchitwa Mission and the Haritha Keralam Mission, which focus on sanitation and waste management.
Women self-help groups (SHGs), notably Kudumbashree, play a pivotal role in waste management activities, driving community engagement and empowerment.
Resource recovery potential is high, as evidenced by the state's emphasis on biogas production, composting, and recycling initiatives.
Kerala's waste management sector offers opportunities for growth, with increasing demand for recycled products, technological innovations, and public-private partnerships.
To realize its potential, Kerala should prioritize effective policy implementation, infrastructure development, and stakeholder collaboration, aligning with national and international waste management frameworks.