Government figures state that approximately 138 metric tonnes of waste are collected in Tezu town every month. Of this, only 2.48 metric tonnes are processed, while around 135 metric tonnes remain unprocessed. This indicates a clear need to step up waste management efforts.
The unprocessed waste includes single-use plastic, old clothes, shoes, and e-waste, which are not picked up by scrap dealers due to a lack of market demand. A market mechanism must be facilitated so that the administration can begin tying up with buyers, including setting up pickup facilities, as collection points should not be a constraint. DUDA does not handle medical waste, which must be managed by medical facilities as per existing rules.
Waste that currently has no takers in Tezu includes shoes and clothes, which can be recycled and reused. Another category is e-waste, such as CDs and household appliances, which is considered hazardous. These often end up in landfills, posing serious environmental risks.
Such waste requires proper disposal, which cannot be handled by scrap collectors or dealers.
It must be processed through certified collection centres, and the administration should consider identifying certified handlers for both hazardous and non-hazardous waste to ensure safe and effective disposal.