Assessment of waste management practices and environmental implications in Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep

Small island communities face significant challenges in managing solid waste due to limited land availability, fragile ecosystems, and increasing consumption of packaged goods. This study assesses household waste generation and management practices on Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep, using household surveys, geo-tagged field observations, and spatial mapping. Data were collected from 40 households across the inhabited areas of the island and supplemented with field observations and satellite imagery to identify waste disposal practices and accumulation zones. The results indicate that household waste generation is relatively low in quantity, but the waste stream is dominated by non-biodegradable materials, particularly plastic. Open dumping and open burning of mixed waste are commonly practised, raising concerns for environmental quality and public health. Spatial observations show that improperly managed waste is present in residential, roadside, and coastal areas. The analysis of awareness and willingness suggests that while awareness of waste-related issues varies among households, there is a generally high willingness to participate in improved waste management practices. The study provides baseline information on waste management conditions on Minicoy Island and highlights the need for improved planning, community participation, and monitoring to support sustainable waste management in small island environment aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).