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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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
Real Estate

AGM Vijaylaxmi launches Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark

AGM Vijaylaxmi Group has launched Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark, a mixed-use commercial development in Goregaon East, Mumbai. The project includes contemporary office spaces and a high-street retail component designed to support businesses, retailers and professionals.Located along the Western Express Highway, Sixty3 W.E. Bizpark is planned as a G+25-storey commercial tower. It offers office spaces ranging from 545 sq ft to 3,200 sq ft, with a 3.60 metre floor-to-floor height aimed at improving spatial comfort, natural light and operational efficiency.The project features a high-street retail boulevard ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Manglam Group to Develop Sheraton Hotel in Jaipur

Manglam Group has signed an agreement with Marriott International to develop a Sheraton hotel on the Jaipur–Ajmer Highway in Jaipur. The project will feature 220 keys and is being developed with an investment of around Rs 3.5 billion across more than 300,000 sq ft.The hotel marks Manglam Group’s third collaboration with Marriott International and forms part of its Rs 10 billion hospitality investment roadmap. The agreement was signed by Amrita Gupta, Director, Manglam Group and CEO, Manglam Spa and Resorts, and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding Greater China, Marriott Interna..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Warehousing Show 2026 opens at YashoBhoomi

India's warehousing, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem came together as the 15th edition of India Warehousing Show (IWS) 2026 opened at YashoBhoomi, India International Convention & Expo Centre (IICC), Dwarka, New Delhi on June 25 (Thursday). Organised by RX India, the three-day event will run from 25-27 June 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, technology providers, and supply chain professionals under one roof. It also features a two-day knowledge conference that will run alongside the exhibition. Inaugurated by Pankaj Kumar, Joint Secretary - Logistics, DPIIT..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement