Puzzolana: Overcoming Challenges in C&D Waste Management
D.V.R. Prasad, AVP, Puzzolana Machinery, highlights the risks involved in setting up C&D waste plants due to inconsistent material supply.
In Hyderabad, there are two operational C&D waste plants of Puzzolana, with another one about to be commissioned in Kolkata for a customer. We’ve also supplied a plant in Noida and another to a local company in Haryana. However, the latter company is facing difficulties due to lack of C&D waste, and they are now planning to repurpose the plant for aggregate manufacturing. This situation highlights a significant issue: despite substantial investments in capital expenditure (Capex), if companies do not receive enough material to process, they cannot sustain their operations. Consequently, they may be forced to explore alternative uses of their plants.
Similar challenges are observed in Hyderabad. For instance, the plant we set up in Hyderabad operates only 10 to 15 days per month due to shortage of input material. The remaining days, the plant remains idle, waiting for materials. For any company setting up a C&D waste plant, a consistent supply of input material is critical for sustaining their business, as without it, the business model becomes unsustainable.
To manage this risk, we can draw parallels of past situations, such as the power crisis, where many companies, including fertilizer and cement plants, invested in waste heat recovery systems to generate their own captive power. This approach ensured a steady energy supply for their operations. A similar strategy could be considered for C&D waste management, particularly in building structures and other construction projects.
Another challenge is the acceptance of recycled materials, especially in major cities. While some architects and builders are open to using these materials, the larger portion that account for about 70% of construction projects are often reluctant to accept them. This reluctance creates a significant barrier for those processing C&D waste, as they struggle to sell their products. Additionally, in smaller municipalities, where significant waste is generated, there’s little motivation to establish processing systems due to uncertainty about market acceptance.
Addressing this issue requires a shift in mentality. The common practice of paying ₹200 to a rickshaw or auto driver to dump construction waste anywhere should be discouraged. Government / local authorities should bring out plans /measures including penalties to stop this unauthorized dumping of C&D waste. Only then people will take the proper disposal of waste seriously.
Furthermore, there needs to be greater incentivization and education by central bodies like the CBRI. Builders must be assured that the strength and quality of the recycled materials are at par with natural materials. While efforts are already underway, this message needs to penetrate deeper into the minds of people. Only then we can expect a meaningful change in the adoption and utilization of recycled C&D materials.
