GUWAHATI, Jan 19 � Environ, a city-based NGO working in the field of waste management, has launched an innovative garbage disposal system for the city�s households.
The Pollution Control Board Assam (PCBA) has also evinced interest in promoting the new technology which is simple and cost-effective.
Environ president Dr Amarjyoti Kashyap said that the �Waste Assimilator� developed by him would come handy in scientific management of both solid and liquid waste generated in households.
Another benefit accruing from the new mechanism is that it would produce organic manure and bio-pesticide in every household from the biodegradable solid waste produced daily.
Dr. Kashyap said that the waste assimilator � an easy-to-operate device that can even be placed inside the balcony of an apartment � was designed for faster aerobic microbial digestion along with rapid assimilation by a hybrid earthworm producing continuous �vermiwash� and finally vermi-compost from biodegradable solid waste.
�The invention is compact in size (18 inch in width and 21 inch in height) and provides a hygienic environment during operation. The invention can generate the concept of producing organic manure and bio-pesticide at household level from daily generated biodegradable solid waste and its marketing. This will also inspire domestic organic farming and kitchen gardening in urban areas,� he said.
Through the use of the waste assimilator, up to 80 per cent of the domestic solid waste problem can be solved and a significant reduction of the roadside dumps can be achieved, he claimed.
�The PCBA has assured us of all possible help in promoting the new mechanism. We will adopt a small area to implement its technology on an experimental basis,� DrKashyap said.
PCBA Chairman RM Dubey who was present at the formal launching ceremony at the Guwahati Press Club, said that it would provide assistance in spreading the concept among people.
Through the waste assimilator, all the daily generated biodegradable solid waste can be managed at source by the assimilation of microbes and hybrid earthworm.
�The assimilator is designed in such a way that all the necessary scientific technology (like slopping base, aeration layer, ventilation) is fixed and no additional apparatus is required. Thus, a simplified technology is adopted for the assimilation of daily generated household biodegradable solid waste through microbes and hybrid earthworms. The use of the waste assimilator is very simple and regularly usable for the disposal of daily generated biodegradable solid waste,� he said.
Environ has also designed an improved litterbin for source segregation of plastic waste.
�For this purpose, a model litter bin of 10 inches diameter and 14 inches height is designed, made up of local bamboo. The bin also contains a bamboo net to keep the plastic compressed. Plastic waste like carry bags are very difficult to keep inside the residences as it takes large volume and space. So people prefer to throw them away. This little liter bin is capable to store a large quantity of plastic waste, i.e. nearly 1.5 kg,� he said.
As per a study of Environ, the per capita value of daily generated solid waste is minimum rupees five. However, the value can be enhanced through proper scientific utilization.
�Organic farming is the best option for the utilization of biodegradable solid waste, which conserves the ecosystem and provides healthy food and nutrition. People can earn substantial amount of revenue both directly and indirectly through domestic organic farming,� Dr Kashyap said.
