Turning Debris Into Opportunity
- connect2783
- Mar 20, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Turning rubble into resources, cities are reimagining construction waste. Trichy’s revived recycling program is one such effort, transforming construction waste into usable materials while boosting revenue. Yet, despite regulations and ambitious plans, India recycles just a fraction of its C&D waste - only 1%! As demand for urban infrastructure soars, will more cities follow suit, or will landfills keep piling up with unprocessed debris?
Recently, Trichy MC revived its debris recycling program. The plan involves recycling construction and demolition (C&D) waste into materials such as bricks and pavement blocks. The method not only addresses the waste problem in the city but also creates a valuable resource from waste, which helps generate revenue for the ULB. The proposed plant with a capacity of 50 tonnes a day over 2 acres is in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goal of sustainable waste management.
In recent years, demand for urban housing and infrastructure projects has led to a substantial increase in the amount of C&D waste generated in India. This waste accounts for a significant portion of the country’s overall waste, with 150 million tonnes of C&D waste generated annually, comprising 35% to 40% of global C&D waste.
While there has been a push in implementing C&D waste management policies, cities face challenges in implementing them, including lack of resources, low awareness and participation of stakeholders, and stringent enforcement of penalties for non-compliance.
However, cities like Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, and Ludhiana are taking proactive steps towards sustainable waste management by adopting recycling practices to minimise the burden on landfills.
Bhubaneswar Corporation recently proposed a plant with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day and has set penalisation rules for illegally dumping waste in public areas.
India’s 2016 Construction and Demolition Waste Management rules mandate C&D waste recycling in cities and regulate its generation, storage, collection, transportation, processing, and disposal.
However, state urban departments need to improve their engagement in implementing C&D waste management policies.
India only recycles 1% of its C&D waste, despite plans to establish recycling plants in 53 major cities by 2020, with only 13 established. Effective implementation of sustainable waste management practices is essential for overall well-being.
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