A career out of waste
‘Reduce, reuse, recycle’ is the mantra in the increasingly eco-conscious world today. However, those who actually bring it to life and endeavour to conserve the environment are waste management specialists!
Think, trash is unfortunately the most abundant resource today; the exponentially growing piles of waste loom as a mounting hazard to our ecology. Improper treatment or disposal translates into serious health consequences as well. To add to this, there is the ever-growing range - from domestic, industrial, construction, hospital, bio-medical and agricultural wastes to the sprouting nuclear and e-waste. Recent estimates peg the total amount of only e-waste in India to be more than 1,46,000 tonnes each year!
Nature of work
The safe management of waste presents a huge challenge. It starts with collecting the assorted garbage and then segregating it in the processing centre into recyclable, compostable and waste. It is transferred accordingly. What can be reused is cleaned, treated or sold as scrap or shifted to organised recycling units and the rest is disposed through natural processes like safe landfills. The toxins, chemicals and components are safely harvested for reuse. As Mr. B. K. Soni, Chairman, Eco Recycling Limited (Ecoreco) elaborates, “E-waste contains various materials such as gold, silver, copper and platinum which can be processed for recovery and reuse.”
Waste management includes developing innovative and eco-friendly treatment, recycling and disposal solutions to tackle the escalating concern. The initiative is taken chiefly by government and non-government organisations apart from some concerned individuals. Then there is source reduction - eliminating hazardous wastes at the source and helping businesses or companies reduce waste, extract more value from goods, save money and thus achieve sustainability to protect the environment. Marketing and education streams include proactively promoting ecological awareness and demonstrating new actions and habits to preserve the environment.
Course connect
Apart from some diploma programmes, there is no exclusive study course for Waste Management as of today. Aspirants require a science background and can take up B.E./B.Sc./B.Tech courses in Environmental Sciences or Environmental Engineering. There are M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Ecological Sustainability as well. Students can opt for an MBA in Environmental Management.
These courses incorporate a comprehensive understanding of the principles of waste management and efficient handling of natural resources for achieving sustainable development. They cover waste treatment, solid waste disposal systems, different kinds of waste recycling (plastic, metal, glass, paper, rubber, etc.), waste water management, hazardous waste management and so on.
Is it right for you?
Waste management is a service-oriented industry that demands eco-conscious individuals who have a fervent desire to protect the environment. The passion to recycle, reuse and thus push towards sustainability is essential for carving a successful green career.
Career prospects
Waste management is an emerging career prospect that presents a lucrative opportunity with attractive pay packages coupled with lots of growth potential. Potential job positions include public works services supervisor, hazardous waste engineer, landfill operator, waste collector, recycling supervisor, recycling program specialist, environmental coordinator, e-waste professional, solid waste manager, waste minimisation specialist, communications manager, environmental educator, environmental and sustainability consultant, industrial waste inspector and so on.
Popular employers are central and state governments and non-profit associations apart from some private companies. For instance, E-Parisaraa Pvt. Ltd. is India’s first scientific e-waste recycling unit (on the outskirts of Bangalore). Setting up an own business like recycling of particular wastes (solid, hazardous, industrial, health care, electronic, etc.) can also prove very profitable. Freshers can expect to start with Rs.15,000 per month upwards and entrepreneurs make at least Rs.20-35,000 per month.
To sum up, look beyond the traditional careers if you wish to do your bit to better both the natural environment and quality of human life!
Where to study
Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur - www.iitm.ac.in/, www.iitd.ac.in/, www.iitk.ac.in/, www.iitkgp.ac.in/
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow - www.iimb.ernet.in/, www.iimcal.ac.in/, www.iimk.ac.in/, www.iiml.ac.in/
SIES Indian Institute of Environmental Management, Mumbai - www.siesiiem.net/
Bharathiar University, Coimbatore - www.b-u.ac.in/
TERI University, New Delhi - www.teriuniversity.ac.in/
Source: The Hindu, July 18, 2012
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