CHENNAI : The Avadi Municipality is all set to become a zero waste area with the launch of its micro compost centres in partnership with Bharat Petroleum. The Rs 6.05-crore project, which kicked off a month ago, has gained momentum, according to officials in the municipality. “A total of 17 micro compost centres are operational across the 48 wards. Each centre is equipped with a shredder and has 12 pits to ensure composting can be done systematically and scientifically,” said Municipal Commissioner Mathivanan, adding that residents of Avadi produce 48 tonnes of wet waste every day.
In addition to the micro compost centres, the municipality has also constructed 21 onsite compost pits in parks and schools which will take care of wet waste from the nearby locality. According to municipal officials, the bulk generators identified have also started taking steps to compost their own waste. “More than 10 apartment complexes and hotels have begun composting their waste,” Mathivanan told Express.
While the wet waste is being composted, the municipality is also actively recycling its waste. Every week the municipality generates more than `1 lakh through recycling. The funds generated are distributed to the 250 sanitary workers that the municipality directly or indirectly employs. The waste which cannot be recycled such as pillows or old mattresses is handed over to the India Cements factory in Ariyalur where it is used as fuel. Each week, around 10 tonnes of non-recyclable waste are produced.