Chennai: Garbage from ward 4 of Thiruvottiyur zone will no longer reach Kodungaiyur dump yard as residents have embraced eco-friendly methods to reach the ‘zero waste ward’ goal.

In a public private partnership model implemented by ITC Limited, in collaboration with Greater Chennai Corporation and environmental organization called Exnora Green Pammal, about 2,000 households are now actively involved in source segregation, home composting and kitchen gardening. A flag off programme was inaugurated on Wednesday to officially inaugurate the door-to-door collection.


In order to adhere to the Municipal Solid Waste Rules 2016, a waste-processing centre with a recyclable shed, vermin composting shed and windrow platform is being constructed at the five-ground land allotted by the civic body at Sathankadu dumpsite.

Along with the residents, conservancy workers deployed by the corporation and ITC are also trained during the 10-month programme. S. Bhuvaneswari, a 73-year-old resident, who is into source segregation, even before the rules were implemented, said that the task requires constant vigilance. “I am into source segregation for the past 25 years. The bigger challenge is to teach maids ignorant towards its benefits,” she said. She has quickly adopted the two bins and 1 bag policy to segregate biodegradable, non-biodegradable and recyclable waste. “I have a Kamba pot that converts vegetable waste to manure,” she said.
“When 73-year-old Bhuvaneswari can make the effort, why can’t everyone?

Through the baseline survey conducted last year, it was learnt that majority were unaware of source segregation methods. However, their willingness to switch to ecological methods of dumping procured a significant change,” said Mangalam Balasubramanian of Exnora Green Pammal said.

Commercial establishments, schools and hospitals are also trained to embrace cluster compost methods, as part of the initiative. Regional Deputy Commissioner (North), Praveen P Nair said, “Countries like Austria which tops the source segregation has 65-75 per cent of participation. The 60 per cent participation in the ward should be raised to reach 100 per cent goal in six months.”