MODULE: - 04

Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management - Overview C&D Waste – Regulation,
Beneficial Reuse of C&D Waste Materials.

1. Detail the components of construction and demolition of waste

management? OR Summarise the Overview of C&D Waste Management.

Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management involves a structured process of handling the
waste generated from activities like construction, renovation, and demolition of civil structures. Effective
management ensures minimization of environmental impact and promotes reuse and recycling of waste
materials. The key components of C&D Waste Management include understanding the types and sources
of waste, characteristics, waste estimation, collection and transportation, processing technologies, and
reuse or disposal strategies.

Types and Sources of C&D Waste

C&D waste consists of a diverse range of materials resulting from various construction and demolition
activities. These include:

• Bricks, tiles, and masonry

• Concrete and rubble
• Wood and timber products
• Metals such as steel and aluminium
• Glass, plastic, drywall, gypsum board
• Insulating and plumbing materials
• Paints, wallpapers, and fixtures

The sources of waste include:

• Infrastructure Projects: Roads, bridges, flyovers

• Real Estate Projects: Residential and commercial buildings
• Natural Calamities: Earthquakes, floods
• Small-scale Repairs: Minor renovations or refurbishments

Demolition activities generate significantly higher waste (300–500 kg/m²) than construction (40–60 kg/m²),
demanding adaptable waste handling methods.

Characteristics and Composition

C&D waste is largely inert and recyclable—over 90% can be reused if properly segregated. The composition
of waste varies regionally based on construction practices. According to studies:

• Soil, sand, gravel – 36%

• Bricks and masonry – 31%
• Concrete – 23%
• Metals – 5%
• Wood – 2%
• Others (plastics, ceramics, etc.) – 3%

Some waste may contain hazardous materials like asbestos or lead, requiring careful handling. Its
heterogeneous nature poses challenges in segregation, recycling, and disposal.
Waste Estimation

Accurate estimation is essential for planning. As per the TIFAC (2001) guidelines:

• New construction: 40–60 kg/m²

• Repairs: 40–50 kg/m²
• Demolition: 300–500 kg/m²

Cities can correlate these values with building permit data to estimate total waste. However, informal
salvage by workers may reduce the actual waste needing management.

Collection and Transportation

Waste should be collected and stored at the site, with provisions for segregation by category:

• Concrete
• Soil
• Metal
• Wood and Plastic
• Bricks and Masonry

Transport is managed either by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) or private contractors. Vehicles should be
covered to minimize dust pollution. Waste may be collected:

• Door-to-door
• From intermediate collection points
• Via dedicated containers for builders

Proper record maintenance is essential for accountability.

Processing and Recycling Technologies

Once collected, waste is sent to recycling facilities where it undergoes processing such as:

• Crushing and grinding for size reduction

• Magnetic separation for metals
• Air drum separation and windsifters for weight-based sorting
• Manual and robotic sorting for accuracy and quality control

There are different types of processing systems based on scale:

• Stationary units (large cities, high waste)

• Mobile crushing units (remote projects)
• Mini crushers (small towns)
• Cluster processing (shared between towns)

On-site Waste Management

Project sites are encouraged to segregate and store waste. Options for on-site reuse include:

• Backfilling: Filling of pits and low-lying areas with rubble

• Reuse of valuables: Wood, unbroken bricks, and ceramics for temporary or permanent structures
• Roof filler and wall chips: Decorative or structural reuse

Unusable waste must be transported to official processing/disposal centers.

Final Disposal and Recycling Applications

Materials that cannot be reused on-site are processed into:

• Granular Sub-Base (GSB) for road construction

• Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) for structural and non-structural use
• Recycled Aggregates (RA) for minor applications
• M-Sand as a substitute for natural sand
• Scrap Metal used after smelting for new products

Examples in India include the New Supreme Court Complex and Express Road in Delhi, both using
recycled materials.

Regulatory and Policy Framework

India’s C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016 set out roles and responsibilities:

• Waste generators: Segregate, store, and transport waste properly

• Local authorities: Establish processing plants, ensure collection, offer incentives
• State Pollution Control Boards: Monitor compliance, authorize plants
• State/Central Governments: Provide land and frame policies

The Rules emphasize reuse, recycling, and incentivization over landfill dumping.

Environmental and Economic Significance

Improper disposal of C&D waste causes:

• Urban flooding due to clogged drains

• Water and soil contamination
• Fugitive dust pollution
• Road and footpath blockages

Despite over 90% recyclability, only 1% of India's C&D waste is processed due to poor implementation
and low awareness.

2. Discuss construction and demolition waste management rules 2016? OR Explain

the duties of waste generators as per C & D Waste Management Rules 2016.

The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016, notified by the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), were the first national-level regulations in India to address the
growing problem of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. These rules define the responsibilities of
various stakeholders and establish a legal framework to ensure proper collection, segregation, storage,
transportation, recycling, and disposal of C&D waste. The Rules aim to minimize environmental and health
impacts associated with C&D activities and promote reuse and recycling of materials.

Key Highlights of the Rules

The Waste Management Rules, 2016, establish specific responsibilities for all stakeholders involved in the
construction and demolition process. These include waste generators, service providers, local authorities,
pollution control boards, and various levels of government. The core objectives are:

• Promotion of reuse and recycling

 • Mandatory use of recycled materials in public construction
• Establishment of processing facilities
• Data collection and annual reporting

The rules emphasize processing C&D waste as a resource rather than discarding it as a burden on landfills
and the environment.

Responsibilities of Waste Generators

Waste generators include developers, construction companies, individuals, and agencies undertaking any
construction, demolition, or remodeling work. They are subject to the following obligations:

1. Waste Collection and Segregation

• Waste generators must collect and store the waste within their premises.
• It is mandatory to segregate C&D waste from other types of solid waste like food waste or
hazardous materials.
• Generators must ensure that C&D waste is deposited only at designated collection centers or
processing facilities authorized by local authorities.

2. Avoidance of Public Nuisance

• Generators are required to prevent littering, obstruction of traffic, or choking of drainage systems
due to improper dumping.
• Waste must be stored and transported in such a way that it does not cause dust pollution or safety
hazards.

3. Segregation into Material Categories

For large-scale projects, waste generators must segregate waste into the following five categories:

• Concrete
• Soil
• Metal
• Wood and plastic
• Bricks and masonry

Proper segregation ensures that materials can be efficiently processed and recycled.

4. Submission of Waste Management Plan

Generators handling more than 20 tons of waste per day or 300 tons per month are required to:

• Prepare and submit a waste management plan to the local authority.

• Obtain approval from the authority before commencing construction, demolition, or remodeling
activities.
• This plan must outline how the waste will be stored, transported, and processed.

5. Financial Responsibility

• Generators must pay charges for collection, transportation, processing, and disposal, as notified
by the local authority.
• These charges help support the infrastructure needed for organized waste management.
Duties of Service Providers and Contractors

Entities such as public utilities and government contractors are required to:

• Develop a comprehensive waste management plan for their jurisdiction or project.

• Clean and clear waste from the work area in coordination with local authorities.
• Engage authorized agencies for waste collection and transport if in-house capacity is unavailable.

Responsibilities of Local Authorities

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and municipal corporations play a key role in enforcing the Waste Management
Rules. Their responsibilities include:

• Issuing directives for C&D waste management within their jurisdiction.

• Ensuring regular collection, transport, and processing of waste.
• Approving waste management plans and ensuring clean-up activities occur on schedule.
• Establishing and updating a C&D waste generation database annually.
• Providing incentives to generators for salvaging and in-situ processing.

Local authorities are expected to set up processing plants, designate collection points, and identify landfill
sites for residual, non-recyclable waste.

Duties of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

• Authorize C&D waste processing facilities by evaluating applications.

• Monitor the implementation of the Rules by local bodies.
• Compile and submit annual compliance reports to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) by
July 31 each year.

Responsibilities of State Governments and Union Territories

State governments must develop a policy framework for C&D waste management and ensure:

• Land allocation for recycling and processing facilities.

• Inclusion of C&D sites in urban land-use planning.
• Mandatory procurement of recycled products in public works.

The Secretary in-charge of development at the state level is responsible for overseeing this
implementation.

Role of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

CPCB is responsible for:

• Developing operational guidelines for processing facilities.

• Compiling national data from SPCBs and reviewing trends.
• Coordinating with SPCBs to establish environmental standards for recycled C&D materials.
• Submitting national compliance reports to the Central Government by August 30 annually.

Other Institutional Responsibilities

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

These bodies are directed to:

 • Formulate codes of practice and standards for the use of recycled materials in construction and
roads.

Central Government Departments

Departments such as the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and Ministry of Rural Development
(MoRD) are required to:

• Facilitate capacity building at local levels.

• Provide technical and financial support to ULBs for implementing the rules.

Provisions for Pollution Exemptions

Under Schedule I, clause 14 of the Rules:

• Projects that reuse at least 80% of C&D waste in-situ and maintain a sufficient buffer zone are
exempt from pollution control requirements for dust and noise.

This promotes localized recycling and reduces environmental impact from transportation.

3. Explain beneficial reuse of construction and demolition waste materials? OR

Describe the Beneficial Reuse of C&D Waste Materials wrt sustainable
development

The beneficial reuse of construction and demolition (C&D) waste plays a vital role in achieving
environmental sustainability and supporting the principles of a circular economy. Reuse and recycling of
these materials reduce the extraction of natural resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize
pressure on landfills. C&D waste, being largely inert and non-hazardous, offers considerable potential for
recovery and reuse in various sectors, especially construction and infrastructure development.

Understanding C&D Waste as a Resource

C&D waste includes a variety of materials generated during the construction, renovation, and demolition of
buildings and infrastructure. These materials include:

• Concrete, bricks, and masonry

• Soil, sand, and gravel
• Wood, metal, and plastics
• Asphalt and bitumen
• Glass, tiles, and ceramics

Most of these materials, especially concrete, bricks, metals, and wood, can be reused either directly or after
minimal processing. Their reuse aligns with sustainable development goals by conserving natural resources,
reducing energy consumption, and mitigating environmental degradation.

Reuse Applications of C&D Waste Materials

The reuse of C&D waste occurs in different forms depending on the type and condition of materials. Below
are major applications:
i. Backfilling and Land Reclamation

• Crushed concrete, brick, and rubble are commonly used as backfilling materials in construction
projects.
• These materials fill pits, trenches, and low-lying areas, supporting elevation corrections or road base
layers.
• They also provide an effective alternative to natural soil, helping to stabilize structures and reduce
erosion.

ii. Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA)

• RCA is produced by crushing concrete debris into aggregates of standard sizes.

• These aggregates can replace natural aggregates in non-load bearing concrete, pavements, and
flooring.
• RCA reduces dependence on mined stone and gravel and supports sustainable concrete
manufacturing.

iii. Recycled Aggregates (RA)

• RA consists of mixed C&D debris (concrete, bricks, stones) crushed into coarse and fine aggregate.
• Used in non-structural components, like drains, side-walks, medians, boundary walls, and
pathways.
• RA production requires basic crushing and screening, making it cost-effective and accessible.

iv. Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)

• Fine particles obtained from crushing C&D waste serve as a substitute for natural sand.
• M-Sand is ideal for plastering, tiling, and non-load bearing masonry.
• The use of M-Sand addresses the scarcity of river sand and limits environmental damage caused by
sand mining.

v. Reuse of Wood and Timber

• Salvaged timber from demolition sites is repurposed for doors, windows, furniture, or decorative
panels.
• Processed wood is also used in composite wood products and as a fuel source or mulch.
• Reusing timber reduces deforestation and the carbon footprint of construction projects.

vi. Reuse of Metals

• Metals such as steel, aluminium, and copper are highly recyclable and retain their properties after
recycling.
• Recovered scrap is smelted and used to manufacture structural components, fixtures, and
reinforcements.
• Recycling metals is energy-efficient, avoiding the environmental impacts of ore extraction and
refining.

vii. Reuse of Bricks and Masonry

• Intact bricks from demolished buildings are cleaned and reused in new construction or for
landscaping.
• Crushed bricks are used as sub-base for roads, paving, and site preparation.
• This application helps preserve the embodied energy of bricks and lowers demand for new materials.
viii. Reuse of Asphalt and Bitumen

• Crushed asphalt can be reused in road resurfacing and base layers.

• Asphalt recycling reduces the need for new petroleum-based products and improves the economics
of road building.

ix. Reuse of Ceramics and Tiles

• Broken tiles and ceramics are reused as decorative wall chips or crushed for insulating material.
• They also serve as a base for pavement and pathways, minimizing the waste sent to landfills.

x. Reuse of Glass

• Crushed glass is used as recycled aggregate or as filler material in concrete and road
construction.
• It may also be melted and used to produce new glass items, reducing demand for virgin silica.

Sustainable Development Through C&D Waste Reuse

The reuse of C&D waste aligns closely with sustainable development goals by achieving economic,
environmental, and social benefits:

i. Conservation of Natural Resources

• Every ton of reused C&D material means fewer natural resources are extracted.
• This helps preserve finite resources like sand, stone, limestone, and metals.

ii. Energy and Emissions Savings

• Reuse requires less energy than manufacturing new materials.

• Recycling metals, concrete, and glass significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

iii. Reduction in Landfill Usage

• India generates massive amounts of C&D waste, but less than 1% is recycled.
• Reuse reduces the volume going to landfills, saving land space and mitigating pollution risks.

iv. Support for the Circular Economy

• Reuse and recycling create a closed-loop system, where materials are continuously cycled through
use.
• This approach reduces waste, promotes efficient resource use, and supports long-term sustainability.

v. Employment and Economic Benefits

• Processing and repurposing C&D materials creates local employment in recycling units and material
handling.
• Recycled materials are often cheaper, offering cost savings in construction and infrastructure
projects.

vi. Mitigation of Environmental Hazards

• Reduces pollution from improper dumping in rivers, wetlands, and open areas.
 • Avoids contamination from hazardous components like paints, asbestos, or lead mixed with general
waste.

Real-World Examples of Reuse in India

Several successful projects demonstrate the application of C&D waste reuse:

• Supreme Court Complex, Delhi: Utilized over 1.8 million pre-cast concrete blocks made from
recycled C&D waste.
• Express Road in North Delhi: Used about 600,000 tonnes of recycled aggregates for road sub-base
construction.
• Delhi Metro: Recycles its own C&D waste to reduce cost and material demand.

These examples show the practical viability and effectiveness of reusing C&D materials in large-scale
projects.

4. Explain about the C & D Waste – Regulations.

Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste has emerged as a major component of solid waste in urban areas
due to rapid infrastructure growth, building renovations, and real estate developments. In India, there was no
specific regulatory framework to manage C&D waste until the Construction and Demolition Waste
Management Rules, 2016 were notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC). These regulations mark a significant step toward sustainable waste management, mandating
structured collection, processing, reuse, and disposal of C&D materials.

Objectives of the Regulations

The primary objectives of the C&D Waste Management Rules, 2016 are:

• To institutionalize the reuse, recycling, and scientific disposal of C&D waste

• To reduce pressure on landfills and mitigate environmental degradation
• To promote the use of recycled materials in construction
• To define roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in waste generation, collection, transport,
processing, and final disposal

These regulations cover all stakeholders in the construction ecosystem, from individual builders to large
developers and municipal authorities.

Applicability of the Regulations

The rules are applicable to:

• All construction and demolition activities generating waste

• Waste generators including individuals, contractors, builders, developers, and agencies
• Local authorities, pollution control boards, and other government departments
• Both public and private sector projects, including infrastructure and real estate

Every party involved in the life cycle of a building or infrastructure project has a defined role under these
rules.

Mandatory Responsibilities of Waste Generators

The regulations impose specific responsibilities on C&D waste generators:

 • Collection and Storage: Waste must be collected and stored within the premises without causing
obstruction or pollution.
• Segregation: Waste must be sorted into key streams—concrete, soil, metals, wood & plastics,
bricks & masonry.
• Authorized Disposal: Waste must be delivered only to designated collection centers or recycling
plants.
• Submission of Plan: Generators producing more than 20 tons per day or 300 tons per month must
submit a waste management plan for approval prior to starting work.
• Charges: Waste generators must pay for transportation, processing, and disposal, as notified by
the local authority.

Responsibilities of Local Authorities

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and municipal corporations are central to the implementation of C&D waste
regulations. Their responsibilities include:

• Issuing directives and notifications for C&D waste handling in their jurisdiction
• Establishing and managing collection points and processing facilities
• Ensuring transportation of waste to appropriate sites
• Incentivizing in-situ reuse and recycling of waste by project developers
• Inspecting waste management plans submitted by builders and developers
• Maintaining and updating C&D waste generation databases annually
• Promoting IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities to raise awareness

Local bodies are also expected to coordinate with expert institutions for technical support and policy
implementation.

Role of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

The SPCBs are responsible for regulatory oversight and technical clearance. Their key functions include:

• Granting authorization for waste processing plants after evaluating applications

• Monitoring and ensuring compliance of local authorities with C&D waste management rules
• Preparing and submitting annual implementation reports to the Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB)

SPCBs act as a bridge between local authorities and central environmental governance.

Role of State Governments and Union Territories

State governments are responsible for the policy-level framework and infrastructural support for C&D
waste management. Their duties include:

• Preparing policy documents within one year of rule notification

• Allocating land for storage, processing, and recycling units
• Amending town and country plans to accommodate C&D waste management infrastructure
• Enforcing mandatory procurement of recycled materials in public construction contracts
• Facilitating capacity-building programs for ULBs and developers

These initiatives ensure statewide adoption and uniform implementation of the regulations.

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Responsibilities

CPCB functions as the apex monitoring agency. Its regulatory responsibilities include:
 • Developing and updating operational guidelines for C&D waste management
• Coordinating with SPCBs for policy refinement and enforcement
• Analyzing and compiling annual implementation reports
• Submitting national-level compliance status to the Ministry by August 30 each year

The CPCB also ensures consistency of environmental standards across states.

Role of National Institutions

Two major institutions are tasked with technical standard-setting under these rules:

i. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)

• To develop codes of practice and standards for recycled C&D materials

• Ensuring structural safety and quality assurance in the use of recycled products

ii. Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

• To standardize the use of recycled materials in road construction

• Contribute to reducing dependency on mined aggregates

Duties of Contractors and Service Providers

Contractors and service providers involved in utilities and construction must:

• Prepare C&D waste management plans specific to their service areas

• Ensure timely collection and cleanup of waste generated during operations
• Collaborate with authorized agencies if internal resources are insufficient for handling waste
• Comply with local authority directions and facilitate segregation and safe storage at site

This applies to both public utilities (electricity, water, telecom) and private sector service providers.

Regulations for Construction Activities Using Recycled Materials

To promote the adoption of recycled C&D materials, the rules include incentives and mandates:

• Government contracts must use 10–20% of materials sourced from C&D waste
• Recycled product prices are to be kept 20% cheaper than conventional materials via controlled
tipping fees
• Builders and developers are encouraged to buy back recycled materials, especially for non-load
bearing and infrastructural applications
• Eco-labelling and green certification may be introduced to validate the quality and sustainability of
recycled materials

Exemptions under Pollution Control

The rules provide certain exemptions from dust and noise pollution norms:

• Projects that reuse or recycle at least 80% of their waste in-situ

• Buffer zones are maintained between construction and residential areas
• This encourages localized processing and minimizes environmental impact
 5. What synergies exist between the Smart Cities program, the Swachh Bharat
Mission, and the goals of energy recovery from MSW, and how can they be
enhanced to improve the overall waste management framework in India?

The integration of national urban initiatives like the Smart Cities Mission and the Swachh Bharat Mission
(SBM) with energy recovery from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) represents a significant opportunity for
India to strengthen its urban waste management framework. These programs, while independently designed,
overlap in objectives related to sanitation, urban development, resource recovery, and sustainability.
Aligning them creates a synergistic impact that addresses urban cleanliness, environmental conservation,
and energy security.

Smart Cities Mission – Overview and Relevance to Waste Management

The Smart Cities Mission aims to develop selected Indian cities into technologically advanced,
sustainable, and citizen-friendly urban centers. Waste management is one of its core components. Specific
features linked to MSW management include:

• Deployment of smart waste monitoring systems (IoT-enabled bins, GPS tracking of waste
collection)
• Use of data analytics and GIS mapping to optimize collection routes and reduce inefficiencies
• Promotion of decentralised waste processing to reduce landfill dependency
• Integration of renewable energy solutions, including waste-to-energy (WtE) plants, into the urban
energy mix

The Mission encourages the adoption of ICT-based interventions, enabling real-time monitoring, better
resource planning, and efficient operation of waste infrastructure.

Swachh Bharat Mission – Goals and Intersection with MSW Energy Recovery

Swachh Bharat Mission, launched with the primary goal of achieving universal sanitation and cleanliness,
places solid waste management at the center of its urban strategy. Its objectives include:

• 100% door-to-door waste collection

• Source segregation of wet and dry waste
• Scientific processing, treatment, and disposal
• Promotion of composting, biomethanation, and WtE technologies

The SBM framework promotes waste as a resource and encourages segregation at source, a crucial
prerequisite for energy recovery processes. It also supports community participation and behavioral change
through mass awareness campaigns, aligning civic responsibility with technological solutions.

Energy Recovery from MSW – Role in Urban Waste Strategy

Municipal Solid Waste contains a high fraction of organic and combustible material. Energy recovery
technologies enable the conversion of this waste into usable energy forms such as electricity, heat, or fuel.
Key energy recovery techniques include:

• Biomethanation: Anaerobic digestion of organic waste to produce biogas

• Incineration: Combustion of combustible waste to generate steam and electricity
• Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF): Conversion of dry waste into fuel pellets for industrial use
• Gasification and pyrolysis: Thermal conversion of waste into syngas or oil products

These technologies reduce waste volume, generate renewable energy, and decrease dependency on landfills.
Areas of Synergy Between the Programs

The Smart Cities Mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, and MSW energy recovery goals align in several
functional areas:

i. Infrastructure Development and Innovation

• Smart Cities invest in technological platforms that complement SBM’s efforts in waste segregation
and processing.
• Cities can integrate energy recovery units with smart sensors and real-time tracking to monitor
input quality and output energy.

ii. Policy and Financial Convergence

• Central and state funds under Smart Cities and SBM can be co-utilized to develop integrated waste
processing hubs.
• Viability Gap Funding (VGF), Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and other fiscal tools can be
shared between missions for building WtE plants.

iii. Behavioral and Civic Engagement

• SBM’s success in community-led cleanliness drives can be extended to include awareness on

energy potential of waste.
• Smart Cities can use digital dashboards and apps to disseminate performance data, track household
segregation, and encourage public participation.

iv. Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy

• Energy recovery aligns with both missions’ commitment to reduce landfill usage and promote zero-
waste cities.
• Waste converted to energy reduces dependence on fossil fuels and contributes to urban energy
resilience.

v. Environmental and Public Health Benefits

• Joint implementation leads to reduction in open dumping, air and water pollution, and vector-
borne diseases.
• Waste-to-energy systems in smart cities improve air quality by reducing biomass burning and
unregulated waste incineration.

Strategies to Enhance Synergies and Improve the Waste Management Framework

To realize the full potential of these synergies, strategic actions need to be adopted at national and city
levels:

i. Unified Waste Management Policy Framework

• A single, inter-ministerial policy document integrating the Smart Cities and SBM mandates with
waste-to-energy goals can streamline execution.
• A dedicated agency or nodal cell can be set up to coordinate overlapping functions and monitor
unified KPIs.
ii. Integration of Digital Waste Management Platforms

• Create centralized waste management dashboards that combine data from SBM sanitation drives
and Smart City sensors.
• Mobile apps for residents can allow waste tracking, complaint logging, and even reward systems
for consistent segregation.

iii. Mandatory Segregation and Quality Control

• Energy recovery requires high calorific value waste, which demands strict segregation.
• City-level enforcement of waste source separation policies is essential to ensure feedstock quality
for WtE plants.

iv. Decentralized WtE Systems

• Cities can promote micro-biogas plants and small-scale RDF units in residential colonies, markets,
and hotels.
• This reduces pressure on centralized plants and transportation costs.

v. Capacity Building and Training

• Officials and municipal staff must be trained in smart infrastructure management, waste
characterization, and energy recovery principles.
• Citizen groups and housing societies should receive regular updates and workshops on waste-to-
energy practices.

vi. Research and Innovation Grants

• Encourage academic-industry collaboration for innovation in waste processing, smart monitoring,

and energy recovery.
• Cities under the Smart Cities program can pilot emerging technologies and scale them under SBM
framework.

vii. Green Procurement and Government Demand

• Public works and infrastructure projects should be mandated to use energy generated from waste,
or products made from recycled materials, reinforcing demand and closing the loop.