Environmental Assessment of Domestic and Commercial Waste Management in Rewari City, Haryana

Urban India is witnessing an unprecedented rise in waste generation due to rapid population growth, expanding commercial activities, and evolving consumption patterns. Medium-sized towns like Rewari in southern Haryana are increasingly burdened by the mismanagement of domestic and commercial solid waste, which manifests in the form of open dumping, inadequate collection systems, and limited recycling infrastructure. The present study undertakes an environmental assessment of domestic and commercial waste management in Rewari City, drawing upon both primary and secondary data to understand patterns of generation, disposal practices, and ecological consequences. Survey data collected from households and commercial establishments were analyzed to determine the nature and volume of waste, while field observations documented the condition of collection points, market areas, and open dumpsites. The findings indicate that approximately twenty to twenty-two metric tonnes of waste are generated daily, of which nearly fifty-six percent is biodegradable. Door-to-door collection covers only a little more than half of the households, and segregation at source remains limited to about one-fifth of the population. The absence of decentralized processing and the persistence of open dumping have resulted in air, soil, and water contamination, affecting both human and animal health. The study also highlights the role of voluntary community initiatives such as I Love Rewari, which have mobilized citizens for weekend clean-up drives and awareness campaigns. The paper concludes with policy recommendations aimed at achieving integrated, participatory, and environmentally sustainable waste management in Rewari City.