Recently, Trichy MC revived its debris recycling program. The plan involves recycling of 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 & infra 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 150MT 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, & stringent enforcement of penalties for non-compliance. However, cities like Trichy, Bhubaneswar, Nashik, Ludhiana are taking proactive steps towards sustainable waste management by adopting recycling practices to minimize the burden on landfills. Bhubaneswar corporation recently proposed a plant with a capacity of 100 tonnes per day and has set penalization 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.
Does your city have a debris recycling plant? Read more about Trichy’s recycling plan here.