Waste to Wealth: A Futuristic Outlook for Waste Utilization in India

Abstract

Abstract India, having one of the largest agro-basedeconomies in the world, produces a significant amount of wastes, both from farming activities and agro-based industries. These wastestreams pose critical environmental and public health challenges that necessitate efficient management strategies.The present review examines the current status and future perspectives of waste utilization in India. We have attempted to criticallyidentify the most prominent features of effective waste management and the constraints in resource recovery for achieving the sustainable development goals. This review provides an overview of the prevailing practices in waste utilization, highlighting various methods employed and the types of industries that can benefit from this approach. In particular, techniques such as co-processing, recycling, waste-to-energy conversion, and industrial symbiosis to be extensivley made accessible to maximize the value derived from wastes. Some of the major challenges we identified include limited awareness, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory gaps, which can significantly hinder the optimal utilization plans. To address these challenges, the review proposes potential strategies such as awareness campaigns, infrastructure development, technology transfer, and policy strengthening both at community and organizational levels. The findings of this review canshed light on the current landscape of waste utilization in India and present pathways for a more sustainable and efficient approach in the near future.