India’s First PPP Green Waste Processing Plant in Indore

Indore is set to achieve another milestone in sustainable waste management by establishing India’s first green waste processing plant under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This project, initiated under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, aims to convert green waste into valuable resources, promoting environmental sustainability and reducing pollution. The facility will process green waste, generate revenue for the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC), and provide an alternative to coal by producing wooden pellets. The plant is a significant step towards innovation, circular economy, and eco-friendly waste management.

Key Highlights of the Green Waste Processing Plant

1. Project Overview

• Location: Bicholi Hapsi, Indore
• Developed Under: Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban
• Execution Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Land Area: 55,000 square feet
• Private Partner: Astronomical Industries Private Limited
• Waste Processed: Wood, branches, leaves, and flowers

2. Green Waste Processing and Revenue Model

• Indore generates 30 tons of green waste daily, which rises to 60-70 tons during autumn.
• IMC earns Rs 3,000 per tonne in royalty from supplying wood and branches.
• The plant will recycle wood waste into wooden pellets, which serve as an alternative to coal.
• Major institutions will directly send green waste to the facility under a fixed fee structure.

3. Waste Transformation Process

• Large tree branches are directed to City Forest’s Green Waste Processing Plant.
• Green waste is dried for 3-4 months, reducing moisture content by 90%.
• Cutting-edge machines transform dried waste into fine sawdust.
• The sawdust is repurposed into multiple eco-friendly products.

4. Applications of Sawdust and Wooden Pellets

• Eco-friendly fuel: Cleaner alternative to traditional burning methods.
• Biodegradable packaging material: Reduces plastic usage.
• Furniture manufacturing: Used as a composite material for chairs and tables.
• Fertilizers: Enhances soil quality and crop production.
• Food industry: Transformed into disposable, biodegradable plates.

5. Role of IMC and Private Firms

IMC’s Responsibilities

• Provides land and transports green waste to the plant.

Private Firm’s Responsibilities

• Sets up sheds, electricity, and water facilities.
• Oversees complete installation and operation of the plant.

6. Additional Waste Processing Facilities

Meghdoot and Sub-Grade Plants

• Located in Sirpur, covering 10,000-15,000 square feet.
• Process garden waste like leaves and twigs from IMC.

Composting Pits in Municipal Gardens

• Used for converting green waste into compost.

7. Environmental and Economic Benefits

• Air Quality Improvement: Reduces pollution and controls Air Quality Index (AQI).
• Revenue Generation: IMC earns revenue from waste processing.
• Sustainable Energy Source: Wooden pellets serve as an alternative to coal in industries like NTPC.
• Pollution Control: Helps curb waste burning and promotes cleanliness.
• Circular Economy Promotion: Ensures effective waste utilization for environmental sustainability.