Q.Describe the role of citizens in solid waste management.

Responsible citizen behaviour — segregation, reduction, reuse, recycling and proper disposal — is central to effective solid-waste management.

Citizens play a direct role in solid-waste management through everyday choices. Segregating waste at the household level into biodegradable (wet/organic) and non-biodegradable (dry/recyclable) fractions makes downstream composting and recycling far more efficient and prevents contamination of recyclable material. Following the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' principle — buying only what is needed, reusing containers/bags, and recycling paper, plastic, glass and metal — cuts down the total volume of waste generated. Composting biodegradable kitchen and garden waste at home converts it into useful manure instead of sending it to landfills. Citizens should also avoid littering public places and water bodies, dispose of waste only in designated bins or municipal collection points, and cooperate with door-to …