India generates over 62 million tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) annually, with only 60% collected and a mere 12% recycled, per CPCB data. Centralized waste management systems often struggle with high transportation costs and inefficiencies, exacerbating landfill overflow and environmental pollution. DCC Group, a leader in sustainable waste solutions, is revolutionizing the sector with decentralized waste management technology. Their decentralized solid waste management approach, implemented through decentralized waste management systems and material recovery facilities (MRFs), reduces landfill dependency, promotes local recycling, and aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) 2.0 for a greener India in 2025.
The Need for Decentralized Waste Management
Centralized waste management relies on large, distant facilities, leading to logistical challenges and high carbon emissions from transportation. Decentralized waste management addresses these issues by processing waste closer to its source, reducing costs and environmental impact. With India’s urban population projected to reach 590 million by 2030, localized solutions are critical to manage MSW effectively. DCC Group’s decentralized waste management systems empower communities to handle waste locally, fostering sustainable practices and supporting SBM 2.0’s goal of garbage-free cities by 2026.
DCC Group’s Decentralized Approach
DCC Group’s decentralized solid waste management leverages compact, modular material recovery facility tailored for urban and rural settings. These decentralized waste management systems integrate advanced technologies like trommel screens, ballistic separators, and AI-driven sorters to process MSW efficiently. The process involves:
Local Collection: Waste is collected from households, markets, and small industries within a community, minimizing transport distances.
Segregation and Sorting: At the material recovery facility, waste is sorted into recyclables (plastics, metals), organic matter for composting, and combustibles for refuse-derived fuel (RDF). DCC’s systems achieve 90% diversion from landfills.
Resource Recovery: Recyclables are processed for reuse, organic waste is composted, and RDF is supplied to industries, supporting a circular economy.
Residual Disposal: Minimal non-recyclable waste is disposed of in compliance with CPCB guidelines.
DCC’s decentralized waste management technology, as seen in projects like Bodinayakanur, processed 22,500 cubic meters of waste, reclaiming 3.05 acres of land. Their MRFs handle up to 100 tonnes daily, making them ideal for small municipalities.
Benefits of Decentralized Systems
DCC’s decentralized waste management offers significant advantages:
Reduced Landfill Waste: By processing waste locally, DCC’s systems minimize landfill use, reducing methane emissions and leachate pollution.
Resource Recovery: Material recovery facilities recover high-value materials, supporting industries and reducing reliance on virgin resources.
Environmental Protection: Localized processing cuts transportation emissions and prevents soil and water contamination.
Economic Efficiency: Decentralized systems lower logistics costs and create local jobs, with India’s waste sector employing over 175,000 workers in 2020.
Community Empowerment: Decentralized solid waste management engages local communities, promoting source segregation and awareness.
Challenges and Innovations
Challenges like high setup costs and inconsistent waste quality persist. DCC addresses these with cost-effective, modular MRFs and community education programs. Their AI-driven sorters enhance precision, while IoT-enabled systems optimize operations. Partnerships with ULBs ensure scalability and compliance with regulations.
DCC’s Vision for 2025
In 2025, DCC Group aims to expand its decentralized waste management systems across 100+ Indian cities, aligning with SBM 2.0. By pioneering decentralized solid waste management, DCC is transforming local waste into resources, driving sustainability and cleaner communities.
A Greener Tomorrow
DCC Group’s decentralized waste management technology, through material recovery facilities, is redefining waste management in India. By reducing landfill waste and fostering a circular economy, their solutions align with global sustainability goals, paving the way for a greener 2025.
