Despite mass sensitisation programmes conducted by the Madurai Corporation over the last two years, the bulk waste generators in the city have performed poorly in setting up their own composting unit to recycle the waste generated.
Bulk waste generators include hotels, businesses, marriage halls, hospitals, which generate more than 100 kg of waste on a daily basis. It also includes gated communities and institutions spread over an area of more than 5,000 square meters.
According to a Sanitary Officer of the Corporation, there are around 750 bulk waste generators in the city, who contribute to around 100 tonnes of garbage every day.
According to Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules 2016, the bulk waste generators have to segregate waste at source. They must also ensure the scientific processing of biodegradable waste to produce manure and biogas by setting up compositing units on their premises.
Many bulk waste generators say that they are unaware that they have to set up their own composting yard. “We pay ₹8,000 to the Corporation conservancy worker, who collects food waste from our hotel and dumps the waste into the Corporation bin,” says J.P. Dinakaran, manager of a leading restaurant chain.
The bulk waste generators also cite insufficient space as a reason for not complying with the rules.
“We used to decompose garbage in a pit measuring six feet in width and in 10 feet in height. However, we have stopped using the pit for compositing as space is inadequate for decomposing waste from over 500 families,” says Balaguru, president, Shanthi Sadan Apartments, Kochadai.
Complying with the SWM 2016, the Corporation has provided a land sprawling 5.5 acres to set up a composting plant at Pazhathottam near Karuppayoorani and the upkeep of the project is with the KT Greens.
“It is worrying that only 16 hoteliers from the city have enrolled to decompose their food waste at the plant,” says K. Thirupathi, managing director of KT Greens.
The hoteliers have to pay ₹6,000 each month to cover the transportation and garbage collection cost for using the plant. “The hotel owners refuse to use the plant, citing that they have to shell out ₹6,000 every month. But they end up paying more for the conservancy workers who collect their garbage on a daily basis,” says V. Jayapriya, caretaker of the composting plant.
“We have proposed setting up a biogas plant and hoteliers can use the biogas for their energy consumption. However, we don’t have the necessary funds to set up the plant,” says Mr. Thirupathi.
Corporation Commissioner S. Visakan says that the Corporation is conducting an exhibition for three days from July 19 to increase awareness among the bulk waste generators.
“The bulk waste generators will be given a fixed time to comply with the rules. After that period, severe action will be taken against offenders,” he warns.
