George George Idowu
While garbage may make many of us hold our noses, for others, it represents an opportunity to turn waste into revenue or energy. In Kerala, a state situated in the southwestern region of India known for its green initiatives, is pioneering various waste management models that convert waste into manure and energy.
From mobile septage treatment plants to generating energy from waste, Kerala’s civic bodies are showcasing models that could be replicated across the state as it aims to become garbage-free. Here is a closer look at some of the standout initiatives.
The challenge of processing septage in Changanassery municipality led to a unique solution: a mobile septage treatment plant. Launched in May, this mobile plant visits homes and institutions, offering an on-site solution for waste processing. The plant, a small truck fitted with filters and treatment units, processes septage at a rate of 6,000 liters per hour.
The system separates solid waste, turning it into compost, while the treated water can be used for agricultural purposes. The cost of the service is ₹5,000 per hour within the municipality and ₹6,000 for nearby panchayats. This solution has not only tackled the municipality’s waste problems but also provided an eco-friendly, revenue-generating service.
In Bedadukka panchayat, the “Collectors @ School” program has made waste segregation part of the curriculum. Schools are provided with four bins to collect organic and inorganic waste, fostering environmental awareness among students from a young age. The panchayat also introduced a “Green Police” force—composed of students—to monitor waste management activities in their communities.
In partnership with the Haritha Karma Sena, Bedadukka has ensured that inorganic waste is regularly collected from over 8,000 households, while schools and businesses are given the tools to manage their waste responsibly. This initiative emphasizes the role of education in sustaining long-term waste management efforts.
The Perinthalmanna municipality in Malappuram district stands out as Kerala’s only civic body generating electricity from waste. Its Bioshakti plant processes up to two tonnes of organic waste daily, converting it into energy that powers the municipality’s own machinery. Non-energy-generating waste is turned into compost, contributing to sustainable waste management practices.
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The municipality’s waste-to-energy model has garnered accolades, including the State Pollution Control Board’s award. With its plant spread over 13 acres and an 80-member Haritha Karma Sena collecting four tonnes of inorganic waste daily, Perinthalmanna’s approach is comprehensive and future-oriented. The municipality is also expanding its capabilities with a new Biotech Plant and plans to build a dedicated septage processing unit.
In Eloor, Kochi, the Haritha Karma Sena has been so effective that members received a ₹50,000 bonus for their efforts during Vishu and Onam festivals last year. The municipality has recorded 100% user fee collection for inorganic waste management, allowing it to fund various community projects.
Among the notable initiatives is the Zero-Waste Peedika, a rental service providing eco-friendly alternatives to disposable tableware, such as glass cups and plates. The municipality has also transformed public spaces with greenery, including gardens and murals, thanks to grants from the Suchitwa Mission.
The municipality of Bathery in Wayanad is known for its clean streets, thanks to a collective effort between merchants, auto-taxi drivers, and the general public. Though Bathery lacks its own waste processing unit, it ensures regular garbage collection and disposal at a nearby plant in Kalpetta.
In a bid to offer affordable waste disposal, Bathery charges ₹10,000 per load of septage—less than half the price charged by private agencies. This affordability has encouraged more residents to participate in proper waste management practices.
The Kathiroor panchayat in Kannur has long been a pioneer in waste management, implementing the Haritha Karma Sena even before it became a state-wide program. Not only does the panchayat ensure that all plastic waste is segregated and recycled, but it also uses a portion of the funds generated from user fees and waste sales to support cancer patients’ medical treatments.
Kathiroor has successfully eliminated garbage dumping within its jurisdiction, requiring all households to have composting facilities and banning the use of plastic cups and plates at public events. The panchayat even organizes community initiatives like the Puzhanadatham, a public river walk aimed at keeping water bodies clean and raising environmental awareness.
Kerala’s innovative waste management models showcase how civic bodies can turn the waste challenge into an opportunity for sustainability and community improvement. From turning septage into compost and energy to engaging citizens in waste segregation efforts, these municipalities are setting a powerful example for other regions.
As Kerala continues its journey towards becoming a garbage-free state, these initiatives highlight the importance of civic participation, innovative technologies, and education in creating a cleaner, greener future.
