Survey reveals poor functioning of community-level systems for biodegradable waste management

Only 57% of the community-level composting plants are currently operational in the State, according to a field-level survey initiated by the Department of Local Self-Government to assess the extent of utilisation of biodegradable waste management facilities.

The remaining 43% of the systems that included aerobic composting (‘Thumboormuzhi’ model) and vermicomposting units faced challenges such as inadequate support for operation and maintenance. Only 605 community-level facilities out of the total 1, 062 are operational as of June 2025.

Around 60% of the survey has been completed under the category of community-level facilities for treatment of biodegradable waste, according to the report on the solid and liquid waste management scenario in the State submitted by the Department of Local Self-Government before the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal on July 23.

Only 84 of the 188 biogas plants are functional. The total number of other systems and those operational include aerobic bin composting units (822-482), windrow composting units (28-24), vermicompost units (18-10), black soldier fly units (2-2), and organic waste converters (4-3). Local bodies have been told to implement operation and maintenance projects to ensure utilisation of community-level projects.

The survey found that 86% of source-level household devices for management of biodegradable waste are operational as of June 2025. For the remaining l4%, the main challenge identified was insufficient supply of inoculum. Six agencies have been empanelled at the State-level for supplying inoculum to achieve effective utilisation of then house-hold systems.

Additionally, a system has been established through Haritha Karma Sena volunteers and private agencies to ensure regular supply of good-quality inoculum. As many as 5,027 Haritha Karma Sena members are trained as green technicians to assist households in maintaining source-level facilities effectively, according to the report.