• The report by Toxics Link. a non-profit body says:

1. Municipal Solid Waste constitutes two-third of the total waste generated.

2. Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW) constitutes 1-4% of the total Municipal Solid Waste generated (an estimate of 1600 to 6401 tons).

• DHW contains varying amounts of harmful chemicals, such as lead and mercury. 

• When waste segregation at the source is not practiced, DHW mixes with other wastes, increasing health hazards such as:

1. Antimicrobial resistance through seepage of antibiotics to the surrounding environment.

2. Air pollution of toxic chemicals through landfill fires.

3. Increased occupational risk through injury by sharps and contact with toxic chemicals of waste handlers who do not use personal protective equipment or PPE (90% do not use any PPE).

• The study found that in cities such as Delhi, Chennai, Chandigarh, and Indore, there was a lack of awareness about source segregation.

• In Ranchi and Jaipur, people practiced burning or draining as a method of disposal for blood sugar testing kits, urine pregnancy kits, etc.

• 53% of households have discarded mercury-based thermometers with other wastes.

• Bhopal households have reported injuries while handling DHW 97% of the time.

• A significantly higher proportion of waste collectors expressed a preference for separate collection of DHW, while some of them had no issues.

• The Solid Waste Management Rules (2016) in India provide some guidance, but no specific rules for managing DHW exist.

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