Bhubaneswar Turns Veggie Waste Into CNG

Bhubaneswar's capital city is set to convert vegetable waste from four major markets into automobile-grade CNG. This innovative project will process remnants from cabbage, cauliflower, and other biodegradable market waste, easing the load on the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation's (BMC) waste handling system and mitigating foul odors. Approximately 50 tonnes of vegetable waste are anticipated daily, depending on seasonal availability, for conversion into compressed natural gas.

The BMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a private entity to establish a 50-tonne-capacity waste-to-CNG plant. This initiative is expected to substantially reduce the strain on the temporary transit station by diverting biodegradable market waste for scientific processing. By ensuring timely collection and processing, the project will improve environmental conditions, particularly during humid seasons.

This program promotes scientific waste management, decreases reliance on landfills, and champions a circular economy by transforming waste into clean energy. The BMC will facilitate the collection and supply of segregated vegetable waste from the source, ensuring its suitability for processing. The selected agency will then undertake the responsibility of lifting, transporting, and processing this waste at its own expense.

Designated collection points for this project include Unit-I Market, Unit-IV Market, Damana Market, and the temporary transit station near Sainik School. The agency is mandated to lift the waste within 24 hours to prevent accumulation and public nuisance. Strict adherence to environmental compliance, with no spillage or pollution during handling and transportation, is also a requirement.