With the advent of urbanization and globalization began the saga of
ever-increasing consumerism and capitalism. To keep up with the developed
nations, the developing countries too were quick to draw level resulting in
their unbridled economic growth. Population growth directly contributes to
increased waste generation. Over the years Indian population has jumped from
1028 million in 2001 to 1324 million in 2017. India alone chips in one-third of
the total waste production in the world, yet is the least efficient in waste
management. It generates more than 62 million tonnes of waste, of which less
than 60% is collected and even less, about only 15% is actually processed and
converted into something productive. Thus the need of the hour is to accept the
gravity of the situation and start developing efficient and cost-effective
measures to solve the problem and safeguard the environment. A plausible
solution to manage the under-estimated trash is to convert it into something as
treasured as energy and fuel, which many developed countries have already
implemented. The substantial stockpile of waste can be circumvented by
uncapping its potential to generate functional by-products like heat, fuel,
energy and electricity by using what is called as Waste to Energy (WTE)
technology. The focus thus should now move from traditional landfills, open
dumps and incineration to proficient waste management systems like thermal
treatment methods, biological treatment methods, landfill gas utilization,
mechanical biological treatment and biorefineries. Off late even better
technologies have come up, including biohydrogen generation from municipal
solid waste (MSW). This review paper describes various cutting-edge
technologies employed across the globe to effectively convert waste into energy
and pave the way for a sustainable future for all.
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