Trend Analysis of Solid Waste Management in India: A Performance-based Evaluation Using Growth Indicators

Abstract

This study examines the trends and performance of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) in India over the period 2014–15 to 2021–22 using official secondary data obtained from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The analysis focuses on three key indicators—waste generated, collected, and treated (measured in tonnes per day). Annual Growth Rate (AGR) was employed to assess short-term year-to-year variations, while Compound Growth Rate (CGR) was used to evaluate long-term structural trends. In addition, a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Efficiency Index was constructed to assess improvements in collection and treatment performance. The findings reveal that waste generation grew at a moderate compound rate of 3.51 percent, whereas collection expanded at 5.63 percent, indicating improved service coverage. Most notably, waste treatment recorded a high compound growth rate of 20.40 percent, reflecting substantial expansion of scientific processing infrastructure following the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. The SWM Efficiency Index improved significantly from 67.60 percent in 2014–15 to 100 percent in 2021–22, demonstrating structural progress in waste management performance. The study highlights the need for continued investment in segregation at source, decentralised processing systems, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability. The results provide policy-relevant evidence for strengthening India’s transition toward scientific and sustainable waste management.