Solid Waste Processing Plant, Vilappilsala

Thiruvananthapuram city is estimated to generate about 265 tons of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) every day of which 150 MT has been estimated to be bio-degradable in nature. Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation (TMC) in order to implement an integrated approach to solid waste management practices in line with the Municipal Solid Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 2000. The City Corporation has already established a Solid Waste Processing Facility at Vilappilsala, 13 kms away from the city. Presently, the Centre for Environment and Development (CED) is managing the plant and providing technical support to the different processes of Solid Waste Management in the city.

The Corporation is responsible for segregated collection and transportation of wastes. The waste collected from the various wards is then transported to the processing centre at Vilappilsala for treatment. Around fifty garbage trucks are used for transportation of waste.

The process involves a biological method for decomposition of organic matter and a mechanical technique for screening the decomposed product. A mixture of micro- organisms will be sprayed on the waste to aid the decomposition process and the garbage is then stacked in the form of windrows. The composting process spread over 30 to 35 days will be constantly monitored by measuring the inside temperature of the heap and the level of moisture. The compost will be enriched with microbes.

Leachate coming out of the windrows drains into collection sumps. Waste is turned over by a Proclaine once a week to accelerate the process of aerobic bacterial action. In about 5 weeks, the degradable components entirely break down. By a two stage screening in 35 mm and 16 mm trommels and handpicking of non-degradable in the +35 mm and +16 mm rejects and an air classification, MSW is transformed into a composted manure in 2 grades – a pure finer grade – I and a coarser grade – II with inorganic, non-degradable and gritty matter and is transferred to the packing section for delivery. The rejects are diverted to landfills.

CED is managing the laboratory set up for analysing the manure, leachate and also to prepare bioculam and enrichment of manure. CED has also prepared a plan for setting up full fledged chemical laboratory to meet the requirements of other local governments also in Kerala