India Advances in Sustainable Solid Waste Management Technologies
WATER & WASTE

India Advances in Sustainable Solid Waste Management Technologies

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Indian scientists and research institutions have pioneered advanced technologies for the management of solid and plastic waste. These innovations span across various sectors, offering decentralised, eco-friendly solutions that bridge scientific advancement with practical implementation.

A range of cutting-edge technologies have been developed for efficient solid waste management:

Bio-Methanation for Organic Waste: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a high-rate bio-methanation technology tailored for decentralised sewage and organic solid waste applications. This innovation enhances biogas and bio-manure production through novel pre- and post-processing methods. The technology has already been commercialised.

Decentralised Waste Processing: CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has created a decentralised solid waste management system. Key features include mechanised segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, eco-friendly plastic waste disposal via agglomeration, biogas generation from organic waste, and briquette production from agricultural residue. This technology has also been transferred for industrial use.

Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling: Indian scientists have devised a method to recycle C&D waste into glass foam bricks with high compressive strength, offering a sustainable substitute for conventional building materials.

Solar Panel Recycling: A robust mechanical separator has been designed to efficiently dismantle solar PV modules, promoting recycling and sustainability within the solar energy sector.

Fly Ash Aggregates: CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) has introduced a technology that utilises fly ash to manufacture synthetic fine and coarse aggregates. These can replace natural aggregates in construction, significantly reducing environmental impact.

Battery Waste Recovery: IISER Tirupati, in collaboration with CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), has developed a method to recycle graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries for use in high-energy Li-ion capacitors.

Accelerated Composting in Cold Regions: With support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has produced psychrophilic bacterial formulations for faster composting of municipal and agricultural waste in colder climates.

Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has established MRFs across the country to streamline the sorting, processing, and recycling of segregated dry waste.

Technologies for Plastic Waste Management include:

Plasto-Fuel from Mixed Plastic Waste: Under DST's Waste Management Technologies (WMT) programme, a 2-TPD demonstration plant in Vadodara has successfully converted mixed plastic waste into high-quality fuels for transport and industry.

Upcycling of Electronic Waste Plastics: CIPET–Bhubaneswar has developed eco-friendly technology for converting plastics from electronic waste into high-impact plastics.

Plastic Waste into Tiles: CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has created technology to transform plastic waste into various types of tiles. This innovation has also reached commercial application.

Plastic Waste Management Centres: The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has set up three centres to develop economical and eco-friendly recycling methods and promote digital demonstrations in plastic waste management.

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): The Government’s flagship programme continues to play a pivotal role in advancing waste management practices in both rural and urban India. The launch of SBM Urban 2.0 in October 2021 aims to create “Garbage-Free Cities.” It has already led to the establishment of MRFs, waste-to-energy plants, and recycling units, thereby enhancing urban waste processing capacity by 105,876 TPD.

These initiatives underscore the Government’s commitment to translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible, real-world impact—bolstering sustainability and reducing the burden of waste on our environment.

This information was provided by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Indian scientists and research institutions have pioneered advanced technologies for the management of solid and plastic waste. These innovations span across various sectors, offering decentralised, eco-friendly solutions that bridge scientific advancement with practical implementation. A range of cutting-edge technologies have been developed for efficient solid waste management: Bio-Methanation for Organic Waste: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a high-rate bio-methanation technology tailored for decentralised sewage and organic solid waste applications. This innovation enhances biogas and bio-manure production through novel pre- and post-processing methods. The technology has already been commercialised. Decentralised Waste Processing: CSIR–Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) has created a decentralised solid waste management system. Key features include mechanised segregation of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, eco-friendly plastic waste disposal via agglomeration, biogas generation from organic waste, and briquette production from agricultural residue. This technology has also been transferred for industrial use. Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling: Indian scientists have devised a method to recycle C&D waste into glass foam bricks with high compressive strength, offering a sustainable substitute for conventional building materials. Solar Panel Recycling: A robust mechanical separator has been designed to efficiently dismantle solar PV modules, promoting recycling and sustainability within the solar energy sector. Fly Ash Aggregates: CSIR–Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (AMPRI) has introduced a technology that utilises fly ash to manufacture synthetic fine and coarse aggregates. These can replace natural aggregates in construction, significantly reducing environmental impact. Battery Waste Recovery: IISER Tirupati, in collaboration with CSIR–National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), has developed a method to recycle graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries for use in high-energy Li-ion capacitors. Accelerated Composting in Cold Regions: With support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST), CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT) has produced psychrophilic bacterial formulations for faster composting of municipal and agricultural waste in colder climates. Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has established MRFs across the country to streamline the sorting, processing, and recycling of segregated dry waste. Technologies for Plastic Waste Management include: Plasto-Fuel from Mixed Plastic Waste: Under DST's Waste Management Technologies (WMT) programme, a 2-TPD demonstration plant in Vadodara has successfully converted mixed plastic waste into high-quality fuels for transport and industry. Upcycling of Electronic Waste Plastics: CIPET–Bhubaneswar has developed eco-friendly technology for converting plastics from electronic waste into high-impact plastics. Plastic Waste into Tiles: CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) has created technology to transform plastic waste into various types of tiles. This innovation has also reached commercial application. Plastic Waste Management Centres: The Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) has set up three centres to develop economical and eco-friendly recycling methods and promote digital demonstrations in plastic waste management. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): The Government’s flagship programme continues to play a pivotal role in advancing waste management practices in both rural and urban India. The launch of SBM Urban 2.0 in October 2021 aims to create “Garbage-Free Cities.” It has already led to the establishment of MRFs, waste-to-energy plants, and recycling units, thereby enhancing urban waste processing capacity by 105,876 TPD. These initiatives underscore the Government’s commitment to translating scientific breakthroughs into tangible, real-world impact—bolstering sustainability and reducing the burden of waste on our environment. This information was provided by Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?