Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has initiated a new plan to process rejected waste through small-scale gas-generation projects. This step aims to resolve the challenges associated with managing waste that cannot be treated by the city’s existing processing plants.

As the city continues to grow, the volume of daily waste has surged, with 1,100–1,200 tons of dry waste and 900–1,000 tons of wet waste generated every day. While PMC operates 11 dry waste and 4 wet waste processing plants, about 200–220 tons of waste remain untreated.

This untreated waste, which constitutes 10–15% of the total waste, poses significant challenges due to the large space and costs required for its scientific disposal.

To address this, PMC has launched a pilot project to establish compact waste-treatment facilities in areas with existing processing plants. The first such project, an "Incinerate Reject Treatment Plant," will be constructed on five gunthas (approximately 0.12 acres) of land in Uruli Devachi.

The standing committee has approved a budget of ₹7.38 crore for this project, which will utilize advanced technology to process waste and generate gas.

Advantages of the Project

• Reduced Land Requirement: The compact size requires significantly less land than traditional waste-disposal projects.

• Lower Costs: Both the initial setup and operational expenses are reduced compared to large-scale landfill sites.

• Gas Generation: The plant processes rejected waste to produce gas, which will be used to power the facility itself, minimizing electricity costs.

• Cost-Effective Transportation: The facility’s proximity to existing waste-processing plants eliminates the need for expensive waste transportation to distant landfill sites.

According to Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner of the Solid Waste Management Department, “The daily generation of 15–20% rejected waste creates significant logistical and financial burdens. By setting up small, localized projects, we aim to reduce costs, save space, and ensure efficient waste management. The first project in Uruli Devachi will set a precedent for future installations.”