An ELCITA-commissioned study on integrated waste management for Bengaluru is underway. As part of this, an integrated solid waste management concept plan for Bengaluru West Zone is now complete; ELCITA formally handed the reports to the SWM commissioner Mr. Subodh Yadav on 30th April, 2016.

In 2015, ELCITA had engaged Dr. Dirk Weichgrebefrom and his team from The Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Waste Management -University of Hannover, Germany, to do a characterisation study of the waste generated in the BBMP area, ELCITA and its neighbouring panchayats.

The idea was to use the team’s expertise in advanced waste management technologies to help plan and design a scientific and efficient system for disposal of waste. The data collection and on the ground survey were done by Bangalore-based non profit Forward Foundation.

The waste characterization study not only helped determine the primary and secondary physical categories, but also the chemical and stability criteria. The sample population was 1.66 million people and over 80,000 liters of waste was analyzed.

The results from this study is to be used to develop appropriate collection systems for the city. A multi-criteria decision making tool was used to evaluate and recommend different options for the city. The treatment process was further developed with the help of ISAH and Wasteconsult Intl., Germany. The two processes recommended were  – composting and biodrying with sorting of high value recyclables and RDF. The concept plan also included the mass balance flows, sophisticated odour and air pollution treatment systems with high standards of health and safety.

These solutions were presented to the commissioner and to ELCITA by Project Director. Dr. Ing Habil, Dr. Dirk Weichgrebe and his team on Saturday. The solutions address all the aspects of solid waste management and specific inputs were provided for characterization, collection and transfer.

The detailed reports can be accessed here.