Transforming Waste Management in Alandi

Case Study

Transforming Waste Management in Alandi Municipal Council –
Unity Green Solutions

21 june 2024 – 5min Read

Project Overview

In a bid to tackle mounting challenges in waste segregation and disposal, the Alandi Municipal council awarded a five-year dated from 2018-23 waste management contract to Unity Green Solutions.

The goal was to establish a sustainable and efficient waste management system that could process and dispose of tons of waste daily while ensuring environmental compliance and resource recovery.

Challenges Faced by Alandi

1. Inefficient Segregation

Waste was collected in a mixed state, leading to operational inefficiencies and environmental hazards.

Lack of proper segregation systems resulted in recyclable and biodegradable waste being sent to landfills, causing resource wastage.

2. Inadequate Disposal Mechanisms

The absence of structured processes for waste disposal led to health and hygiene issues in the town.

Non-biodegradable waste was being improperly managed, contributing to pollution.

3. Resource Utilization

The potential of waste to be converted into reusable resources like compost and alternative fuels was untapped.

Unity Green Solutions’ Role & Approach

Unity Green Solutions developed and implemented a comprehensive waste management strategy tailored to Alandi’s needs.

1. Waste Collection and Segregation:

Fresh waste from households and businesses was dumped to a centralized processing shed. ( NOTE:-collection and transportation done by Alandi Municipal council employees)

Waste was manually segregated into distinct categories: recyclable, non-recyclable, and organic waste.

2. Processing of Non-Biodegradable Waste:

Non-recyclable waste was fed into heavy-duty shredders.

The shredded waste was reduced to RDF(Refuse Derived Fuel) and sent to cement factories and boilers etc. as alternative fuel.

3. Composting of Organic Waste:

Home and organic waste were segregated and treated with Jeevan Amrut, a natural bio-culture spray.

Composting machines further processed the treated waste into high-quality compost.

3. Daily Operations and Output

Approximately more than 25 ton per day of waste was processed daily, significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.

The compost was utilized for agricultural purposes, promoting sustainability.

Outcomes and Impact

1. Environmental Benefits:

Reduction in waste sent to landfills, mitigating land pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Alternative fuel production supported industries while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Resource Recovery

High-quality compost enriched soil fertility, benefiting local farmers and the environment.

Segregated recyclable waste was diverted to appropriate channels, promoting a circular economy.

3. Community Well-Being:

Improved waste management enhanced cleanliness and hygiene across the town.

The initiative set an example for sustainable urban waste management practices.

Lessons Learned

Efficient Segregation is Key

Manual segregation combined with mechanized processing proved effective in resource recovery.

Community Participation Matters

Educating residents about waste segregation at the source could further improve operational efficiency.

Integrated Systems Yield Results

The combination of manual efforts, machinery, and innovative practices like Jeevan Amrut played a pivotal role in project success.

Conclusion

Unity Green Solutions successfully transformed Alandi’s waste management landscape, addressing critical challenges in segregation, processing, and disposal. By adopting innovative techniques and sustainable practices, the initiative not only resolved immediate waste management issues but also laid the foundation for long-term environmental sustainability.

This project highlights the potential of customized waste management solutions in fostering cleaner, greener communities and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between municipal bodies and private organizations.

Case Study