A Greener Kerala Blooms: 17 New Waste Processing Plants

The Kerala government will commission 17 new waste processing plants within the next year to bridge critical gaps in the management of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste, announced Minister for Local Self-Governments MB Rajesh.

The initiative, led by the Local Self-Government (LSG) Department and partner agencies, includes:

6 Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) plants to process non-recyclable waste

4 sanitary waste treatment facilities, each with 100 TPD capacity (two in North Kerala, one each in Central and South Kerala)

7 Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants, with 150 TPD capacity, aimed at handling biodegradable waste from households and bulk generators

The CBG plants are being developed in collaboration with BPCL and private sector partners, and are expected to contribute significantly to Kerala’s clean energy and circular economy goals.

To encourage decentralised waste treatment, the government is considering a 5% property tax rebate for households practicing home composting. At present, only 26.5% of households in the state treat waste at source.

Additional measures include:

Ongoing waste infrastructure projects in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram

A statewide expansion of e-waste collection starting September

Increased plastic waste pickup frequency by Haritha Karma Sena

Proposed ₹1,500 scholarships for 50,000 students participating in waste management initiatives

This multi-pronged approach aims to modernise Kerala’s waste ecosystem, reduce landfill dependency, and promote sustainable urban living.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.