Waste from closed composting units to be directed to bio-CNG plants, GCC informs NGT

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has informed the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that it will close several Micro Composting Centres (MCCs), and Material/Resource Recovery Centres (MRFs/RRCs) located in burial grounds and in some other areas, following public objections over foul odour. 

In a status report submitted by the Solid Waste Management Department in response to a direction by the bench, the Corporation said that as on January 1, 2025, it was operating 190 MCCs and 137 MRF/RRCs across its 15 zones. However, 58 MCCs and 40 MRFs were located within burial grounds, drawing strong opposition from residents, elected representatives, NGOs, and Residents’ Welfare Associations.

“It is imperative that these facilities are removed from burial grounds to maintain sanctity, as these sites are used for rituals and ceremonies honouring departed souls,” the report said.

Residents had also complained of foul odours emanating from several centres, prompting calls for their closure. Further, the Corporation admitted that manure generated from the MCCs did not meet the required carbon-nitrogen ratio, and could not be sold to the public or to the agriculture department. This had led to large quantities of compost piling up. 

Similarly, at many MRFs, reusable materials were being diverted and sold directly by conservancy workers, leaving only non-recyclable waste to reach the facilities.

To address these issues, GCC has shortlisted 22 MCCs and 49 MRF/RRCs, which are well-maintained and do not pose public concerns, for continued operation. The remaining facilities will be shut down.

Wet waste from the closed MCCs will be redirected to Bio-CNG plants. Currently, two such plants — at Chetpet (150 TPD capacity) and Madhavaram (160 TPD) — are operational, while five more are under construction. Of these, facilities at Sholinganallur and Madhavaram (Part II) are expected to commence operations within three months.

The Corporation has also announced plans for integrated waste management plants at Kodungaiyur and Perungudi, which will include Bio-CNG, composting, automated MRF, and waste-to-energy facilities. Work has already begun at Kodungaiyur, while preliminary steps are under way for a 100 MT windrow composting plant at Perungudi.

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