Authors : Mamata Tendulkar and Sushama Ambadekar
Page Nos : 95-100
Description :
Menstruation plays vital role in health and production of female life cycle. Women use various absorbent materials as menstrual hygiene product. Disposable Sanitary napkins are commonly used by women as menstrual hygiene products in Indian urban areas. Menstrual Waste Management has been created worrisome impact in sustainable development goals of almost all developing countries. Greater number of significant challenges is arisen in women’s menstrual health and their associated environmental factors. This report represents the current menstrual waste management system in Mumbai city and suburbs and identifies the loopholes in the currents systems to optimized practices required to manage and dispose menstrual waste effectively. Mumbai’s 24 wards facilitate efficient administration. We visited each solid waste management department of 24 ward to explore the city’s waste management system and menstrual waste handling, conducting interviews with Assistant Engineer in each ward to gather the information. Menstrual waste is not properly disposed by citizens. The waste is not being collected and treated effectively due improper waste disposal practices. Most commonly used synthetic sanitary napkins are difficult to degrade. It contributes to ineffective menstrual waste management as it is classified as biomedical waste. Exploring alternative solution is crucial to address this waste issue more effectively.
