Bengaluru is charting a new course in urban waste management by transforming its plastic problem into a source of revenue. The city's solid waste management body is successfully moving towards a financially self-sustaining model, powered by better citizen segregation and a smart monetisation strategy for low-value plastic.
From Landfill to Revenue Stream: The RDF Initiative
The scale of the challenge is immense. Bengaluru generates close to 6,000 tonnes of solid waste every single day. Out of this massive amount, an estimated 350 to 400 tonnes consist of low-value, non-recyclable plastic, categorised as Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF). Previously, this material was a headache, destined for landfills. Now, it's becoming a valuable resource.
Officials credit focused public awareness campaigns for improving segregation at source. This crucial first step allows Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Ltd (BSWML) to scientifically process waste streams. Currently, 100-150 tonnes of RDF are diverted daily to a waste-to-energy plant near Bidadi for power generation.
The Cement Plant Partnership and Financial Mechanics
To further optimise disposal and boost income, BSWML has forged a strategic partnership. The agency has signed an agreement with Dalmia Cement Ltd to co-process RDF at its cement plant in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative, launched on December 15, started with 160 tonnes dispatched on the first day and now sees 200-250 tonnes of low-value plastic transported to Kadapa daily.
The cement plant has the capacity to accept up to 1,000 tonnes daily, providing BSWML significant operational flexibility as segregation improves. The financial viability hinges on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. For every tonne of plastic co-processed, BSWML receives one EPR credit valued at Rs 2,500.
After accounting for transportation costs of approximately Rs 1,500 per tonne to Kadapa, the agency nets a clear surplus of about Rs 1,000 for every tonne of waste sent. This creates a sustainable revenue loop.
A Model of Sustainability and Gain
Kari Gowda, CEO of BSWML, highlighted the multiple benefits of this model. He stated that the city is witnessing better waste segregation, environmentally sound disposal, and direct financial gain. The revenue helps the agency remain sustainable without placing an additional burden on municipal finances.
Gowda emphasised the operational advantage, noting that while the Bidadi plant can only handle about five metric tonnes per day, they can easily send 250-300 tonnes daily to the cement plant partnership. This ensures that the improving segregation efforts directly translate into efficient waste processing and cleaner outcomes for Bengaluru.
This innovative approach demonstrates how policy mechanisms like EPR, when executed with effective public partnership and strategic industrial alliances, can turn an environmental challenge into an economically viable solution.
