Perinthalmanna solid waste processing plant
Perinthalmanna municipality:
Perinthalmanna is a major town and municipality in Malappuram district, Kerala, India. It serves as the administrative centre for the Perinthalmanna taluk, as well as a revenue division, a community development block, and a police sub-division bearing the same name.The city is located 23 kilometres (14 mi) southwest of the city of Malappuram at the centre of the Kozhikode–Malappuram–Perinthalmanna–Palakkad National Highway 966. It is one of the major commercial centres in the Malappuram district but is not a part of the Malappuram metropolitan area. The city is home to several medical institutions and one of the three branches of Aligarh Muslim University in India, which is popularly known as AMU Malappuram Campus.The Western Ghats mountain range begins east of Perinthalmanna. Kodikuthimala hill station is located in the Thazhekode village of Perinthalmanna Taluk, which also shares its boundary with the municipality of Perinthalmanna.
Perinthalmanna municipality waste management:
The population of Perinthalmanna was 49,723 as of the 2011 census.Perinthalmanna consisted of 16286 Households having 34.41Sq. Km Geographical Area. Average Monthly Waste Generation is 472 Ton, which contains 72% Wet Waste, 26% Dry Waste, 1% Domestic Hazardous and 1% Sanitary Waste. Municipal waste management plant is Located at Kalathilakkara, WARD 22. It started from 2005 and the waste to energy plant was implemented in 2020. The Biosakthi plant powered by the consultation GPSRenewables.
Municipal solid waste management system located in the land of 13 acres includes two MCF cum RRF for Dry Waste Processing having Capacity 5 TPD, Bio Shakthi Waste to Energy Plant for Wet Waste Processing of Capacity 2 TPD and Windrow Composting having Capacity :3 TPD. The construction of ten aerobic composting bins of the Thumboormuzhi model, having capacity 1000 kg per each, are completed and planned to function within days.
The biodegradable waste undergoes processing using the windrow composting technique, a method that efficiently breaks down organic materials into compost. Additionally, waste-to-energy technologies are employed to harness energy from this biowaste, further enhancing sustainability efforts in waste management practices. These initiatives not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to the generation of renewable energy resources, making the waste management system both efficient and environmentally beneficial.· At the start there were 65 workers with 550 daily wages but now it is 82. The profit of the firm mainly addresses the financial stability of employees.
Waste collection system:
Perinthalmanna municipality, a systematic approach is adopted for daily waste collection from 2,500 shops, selected residences, and major flats, carried out by teams of seven members working from morning to evening. Every day, waste collection teams diligently gather biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste from various wards and shops within the area. Specific collection points have been designated to ensure efficient waste management. Two dedicated vehicles handle the transportation of approximately 5 tons of biowaste, while 4 vehicles manage the disposal of 6 tons of non-biodegradable waste, all operating on weekdays. The municipality is divided into four clusters, with three members assigned to each ward to ensure efficient waste collection. A user fee is implemented, with households charged at a fixed rate of 50 rupees, while shops pay a minimum of 100 rupees varying based on the amount of waste generated. The waste collection schedule is organised across the 34 wards, with the first nine wards serviced in the first week of each month, wards 10 to 18 in the second week, wards 19 to 26 in the third week, and the remaining wards in the last week. Two collection vehicles are designated for each ward to facilitate this process.Bio bins are provided to the remaining residences for their waste disposal needs.
Non biodegradable waste management:
In Perinthalmanna, plastic waste management is a critical component of the overall waste strategy, involving meticulous segregation into 12 categories to facilitate recycling. Despite efforts, a significant amount of plastics are rejected due to contamination. Approximately 45 tons of plastics are handed over monthly to recycling agencies. The town’s multi-specialty hospitals present a challenge due to their large waste output, including substantial amounts of plastic. Specialised teams ensure proper waste segregation at these sites, enhancing recycling effectiveness. There are two bailing machines which are functioning all time to compress the segregated waste. Annual collections of specific items like bags and footwear complement daily waste management efforts, contributing to environmental sustainability goals. These initiatives underscore Perinthalmanna’s commitment to efficient waste management and community-wide sustainability.
Windrow Composting:
In Perinthalmanna, the composting process incorporates the use of inoculum to enhance efficiency and reduce leachate production. This inoculum is certified by the Agricultural University Mannuthy. Each load of food waste is mixed with two 50 kg bags of inoculum, significantly improving the decomposition rate and reducing the production of leachate.The composting workspace is a truss-roofed structure with a height of 5 metres and open sides from the floor level, providing ample ventilation. The concrete floor is designed with a slope towards the centre, featuring a rectangular channel along its length.
The composting process takes approximately 75 to 90 days to complete. During this period, the compost is agitated every 10 days to maintain aeration and ensure even decomposition. If there are any leachate issues, additional inoculum is added to address the problem. However, maintaining and dehydrating the compost during the rainy season is particularly challenging due to the lack of a mechanised system and structural limitations.
Fertilisers produced in the windrow are three types of compost, each tailored to different agricultural needs. Before the compost reaches its maturation phase, partially decomposed wet waste is applied to crops that require large amounts of water, such as rubber, coconut etc . The fine portion of the end product, sieved from the compost, is used as fertiliser for vegetables, while the coarse part is utilised for other crops. This diversified approach ensures that various agricultural needs are met effectively.
The earnings from the sale of organic fertilisers are distributed among the employees, promoting financial stability and community engagement. This system not only supports sustainable waste management practices but also contributes to the economic well-being of those involved in the composting process.
Procedure of Thumboormuzhy model of aerobic composting:
The Thumboormuzhi composting model is a systematic and efficient method for managing biodegradable waste was constructed in Perinthalmanna municipality solid waste management plant. The process begins with preparing a base layer of cow dung, which acts as an initiator of microbial growth, essential for the decomposition process. Following this, dried shredded leaves or pieces of paper are placed at the sides of the bin, creating a buffer before the segregated biodegradable waste is dumped at the centre. To ensure optimal efficiency, the daily limit of waste is set at 20 kg.
Inoculum or diluted cow dung is sprayed over the waste daily to maintain microbial activity, while dried leaves serve as an intermediate covering layer for the newly added waste. This method helps in maintaining the ideal inside temperature of the compost bin, which can reach 60-65 degrees Celsius. This high temperature reduces the formation of worms and minimises odor, making the composting process more manageable. After 45 days, the compost can be used as fertilizer. If any decomposition issues arise, coir pith can be used as a conditioner to resolve them. The maximum capacity of a bin is 1000 kg, and the dried compost, after completing a 90-day cycle, can be supplied as biofertilizer. Only after the first bin reaches its full capacity can the second bin be utilised, ensuring a continuous composting process.
The liner structure of the bin improves air circulation, and the inner side is covered with a net to prevent animal attacks. Total ten hopper bottom bins are connected to a leachate collection tank via a pipe system, which effectively removes the leachate produced by the waste. Abortion of the connection pipe extended in the bin 60 cm upward. This comprehensive approach ensures efficient and sustainable composting, contributing significantly to waste management efforts.
Biosakthi plant of perinthalmanna.
Perinthalmanna is home to Kerala’s first waste-to-energy plant, the Biosakthi plant, which plays a crucial role in the government sector for managing bulk waste quantities. This plant processes 2 tons of daily food waste and generates electric power for the entire site for five hours daily, from 8 AM to 2 PM.
The waste-to-energy plant operates under the control of a dedicated design team named GPS Renewables. Collected food waste, free of plastic and acidic materials, is grainted into a paste with the addition of water. This modified waste is stored in a 30-ton capacity hydraulic tank. The pH levels of the digester and hydraulic tank are monitored daily, with adjustments made as needed. The digester tank is maintained at a pH of 4, while the hydraulic tank is kept at pH 7. The gas produced due to the anaerobic digestion of waste is collected to scrubbed for removing moisture, and stored in a balloon. This methane gas is then used to generate electricity, with the quantity monitored by a sensor attached to it. The tanks also featured an overflow system to manage excess waste, directing it to a slurry collection pit of capacity 5000 litres. The slurry, rich in nutrients, serves as an excellent liquid fertiliser to farmers. The slurry collection tank also connected with the digestion tank and hydraulic tank, as the result of that the tank filled after 45 days of continuous process.
Challenges in Perinthalmanna's Waste processing System:
Despite the advancements in Perinthalmanna’s waste management system, several challenges persist that hinder its efficiency and effectiveness. One significant issue is the open design of the buildings used for composting and waste processing by the rainwater exposure and excess atmospheric temperature. This exposure can lead to unpleasant odors and complicate the waste management process. Additionally, the absence of essential mechanical systems such as shredders, dryers, and mechanical sieves further slows down the waste processing time, making it less efficient.
Non-engineered practices following in this unit have an impact on nutritional quality, time and space management. The windrow technique is better to practise at a height of 60 cm waste heep but here it is not maintained so that the microbial activity is not proper . Another notable challenge is the segregation of plastic pieces from the food waste, particularly small items like milk packet cut pieces. This contamination complicates the composting process and reduces the overall quality of the compost produced. The open workspace also attracts a large number of rodents and insects, posing health risks and further complicating the management of waste. Moreover, the leachate produced during the composting process leads to the loss of valuable nutrients, diminishing the quality of the organic fertilizer. The improper disposal of waste at the source is a fundamental issue, as residents often lack awareness about proper waste handling and the importance of segregation. This lack of public awareness significantly hampers the efficiency of the waste management system and underscores the need for better education and engagement with the community.
To overcome these issues the advanced model of aerobic composting is implemented . Although coordination with KSWMP leachate treatment plant, conveyor system for the non bio waste segregation and insect detection system are planned to be facilitated within a year.
Author
Noora SB
Project Research Assistant, IIT Bombay
Safeela Nasirin
Intern, Tags Forum
