CFlo: Advanced C&D Waste Processing Technology for Efficient Recycling
Sanjay Singh, Associate Director, CDE Asia Limited, discusses the opportunities and challenges in establishing and operating C&D (Construction and Demolition) waste recycling plants. He addresses issues related to waste availability and accountability, emphasizing the necessity for improved tracking, enforcement, and incentives to ensure the successful operation of recycling facilities. Singh also elaborates on the features and advantages of CFlo's C&D Waste Processing technology, which aims to contribute to waste-free cities.
In 2016, a regulation mandated that all corporations establish at least one recycling plant within a four-year timeframe. Despite over 150 municipalities and corporations identified across the country, only a few dozen recycling plants are truly operational. This disparity underscores an alarmingly slow pace of progress in the sector.
Our aspirations for metro stations everywhere, world-class airports, extensive road networks, and housing for all require significant amounts of sand and aggregates. Unfortunately, our rivers are nearly exhausted of sand, mountains are vanishing, and global temperatures are rising. We are engaging in unsustainable practices with nature, risking consequences for future generations. Recycling emerges as a crucial solution, with global recycling rates nearing 90-95%, and Singapore reaching 98%. In contrast, our recycling rate for C&D waste is only 1-5%, and we lack accurate data on the total waste generated.
C&D waste is generated in every household. Even minor renovations, such as changing plaster or replacing tiles, produce waste. However, this waste often ends up mixed with general municipal solid waste, exacerbating the recycling challenge.
The situation is further complicated by a complex network of issues. C&D waste plant operators frequently struggle to obtain sufficient waste to keep their facilities operational, despite substantial investments. As a result, many plants remain idle. However, the recent introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in 2024 may offer a resolution to this problem. The EPR notification stipulates:
- Registration: All producers, intermediate waste storage facilities, and recyclers must register on the EPR online portal.
- Waste Management: Producers must deposit 100% of their waste into processing facilities or intermediate storage if no direct facility is available.
Technological Solution
CFlo's C&D Waste Processing Technology offers several advantages and advanced features with its comprehensive solutions for waste management. This all-in-one machine cleans, grades, and recycles up to 95% of water, ensuring efficient resource usage. It allows for the simultaneous production of recycled aggregates and sand, with the sand meeting the IS-383 specification of containing less than 5% silt. The system also includes a mechanism for the removal of ferrous particles from the feed, enhancing the purity of the output materials.
The system is designed for ease of use and maintenance, eliminating the need for cutting, welding, or painting activities on-site. It features galvanized staircases and walkways throughout, ensuring both safety and durability. A standout feature of the plant is the use of the Scrubmax range of heavy-duty attrition systems during processing, which effectively removes surface contamination from the aggregates. Additionally, the plant is equipped with wear-resistant liners, further enhancing durability and extending the operational lifespan of the equipment.
The mobile capability is another significant advantage, as it can be dismantled and reinstalled in less than four weeks, offering flexibility in operations. The plant is built with European safety features and high-quality components, ensuring reliable performance. Its compact design minimizes land requirements, and the system is pre-wired and pre-tested at the factory before dispatch, reducing installation time on-site. The plant also ensures a clean and environmentally friendly operation, with no dust, noise, or wastewater pollution. This allows for continuous operation, even in urban areas, due to the extremely low noise levels.
A huge step toward sustainability
CFlo’s C&D Waste Processing plants have been deployed across the country, demonstrating their versatility and effectiveness. Over the past decade, CFlo has established facilities with a combined processing capacity of over 2 million tons per annum. This impressive figure highlights the company's impact on improving C&D waste management across various locations. Key installations include:
- Burari, North Delhi Municipal Corporation - 2000 TPD
- Surat, Surat Municipality Corporation - 300 TPD
- Jeedimetla, Greater Hyderabad Municipality Corporation - 500 TPD
- Daighar, Thane Municipal Corporation - 300 TPD
- Shastri Park, East Delhi Municipal Corporation - 500 TPD
- Bakkarwala, South Delhi Municipal Corporation - 500 TPD
- Fatehgouda, Greater Hyderabad Municipality Corporation - 500 TPD
- Nashik Municipal Corporation - 300 TPD
- Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) - 300 TPD
- New Town, Kolkata Municipal Corporation - 500 TPD
- Kodiakanal, Hindustan Unilever Remediation Project - 100 TPD
- Thane, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation - 500 TPD
- Dahisar, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation - 500 TPD
These flagship installations not only highlight the effectiveness of CFlo's C&D Waste Processing Technology but also its significant contribution to enhancing recycling capabilities nationwide, marking a crucial step towards sustainable waste management.
