Waste to Wealth | A circular waste management system

Batul Sethwala

UR3013

Waste management is a critical challenge faced by cities across the world due to the growing volumes of waste from residential and industrial sources. Vanjaravas a notified slum in Ahmedabad has a huge waste-related issue that causes several health concerns due to the dumping of not only residential waste but also industrial waste. The project aims to develop a sustainable waste management system that prioritizes recycling, reusing, and repurposing. The initial step involves identifying the waste sources, understanding the existing system, and engaging relevant parties. It outlines a systematic process highlighting different stages of waste handling and how materials are recycled or repurposed at every stage. A significant focus of the project is the evergrowing problem of plastic waste, which poses several environmental and health risks. The project looks to transform this plastic – which would otherwise end up in landfills and oceans – into shoes, bags, construction materials, etc thereby contributing to the circular economy.

Report Content

Circular waste management system

Understanding and analyzing the site

Mapping out the different involved in a larger waste system and understanding why there is a waste issue on-site

Segregating the plastics into different categories.

Zooming out and identifying the different industries that exist around site and understanding how they contribute to the waste. Analyzing a sorting center to understand it's function

Site selection

A stackable dustbin for ease of use with three different compartments for waste(food scraps, plastics and mixed). Because of its stackability it can easily fit within the narrow lanes while still providing adequate access to walk. Every 4 households share 1 set of dustbin

Sectional perspection

The dustbin in the junction not only serves the purpose of disposal but is also designed in a way to tell people about the products that can be produced from recycled plastics. The shading structure is made from woven recycled plastic which the residents themselves can make if it gets damaged. The materials used would be from the waste that is segregated and then recycled

Section of the junction