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Case Study: Organic Waste Converter Machine Implementation at a Residential Society in Mumbai

Project Overview:

In 2022, a large residential society in Mumbai, housing over 500 families, decided to take a sustainable approach to managing the organic waste generated by its residents. Faced with the growing issue of waste disposal, the society’s management committee decided to install an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) machine in Mumbai. Their aim was to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills, cut down on waste disposal costs, and promote eco-friendly waste management practices within the community.

Challenge:

Before the installation of the OWC machine, the society produced around 400-500 kg of organic waste per day, including food scraps, vegetable peels, and garden waste. The lack of proper waste segregation resulted in most of this waste being mixed with non-biodegradable materials and sent to local landfills. This not only added to the city’s growing waste problem but also led to foul odors, pest infestations, and environmental hazards. Additionally, the society was incurring significant expenses on waste collection services.

Solution:
The management committee explored options and decided to invest in an OWC machine with a capacity to handle 500 kg of organic waste per day. The machine was installed within the society premises, and the residents were educated about the importance of waste segregation at the source. Separate bins were provided to each household for organic and non-organic waste, and a composting area was set up next to the OWC machine.

Key Features of the OWC Machine:

 

1. The machine was capable of converting 90% of the input organic waste into compost within 24 hours.

 

2. It could process food waste, garden clippings, and other organic materials efficiently.

 

3. The compost produced was nutrient-rich and could be used as a natural fertilizer for the society’s gardens and landscaped areas.

Implementation Process:

 

1. Training and Awareness: The first step was educating residents about the importance of segregating their waste. Workshops were conducted to explain how the OWC machine works and how composting benefits the environment.

 

2. Installation and Set-Up: The OWC machine was installed in a designated area with easy access to the waste collection team. The machine required minimal labor and maintenance.

 

3. Waste Collection and Processing: Organic waste was collected daily from each household, and the OWC machine processed the waste into compost. The compost was then used in the society’s gardens, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

 

4. Monitoring and Maintenance: The society appointed a team to oversee the waste collection, operation of the OWC machine, and regular maintenance to ensure smooth functioning.

Results:

 

1. Waste Reduction: After six months, the society saw a 60% reduction in the volume of waste being sent to landfills. Almost all organic waste generated by the households was being converted into compost.

 

2. Cost Savings: The society saved approximately ₹50,000 per month in waste disposal fees, as the amount of waste requiring external collection had drastically reduced.

 

3. Environmental Impact: The society reduced its contribution to landfill methane emissions, as well as the overall carbon footprint associated with waste transportation and disposal.

 

4. Compost Usage: The compost produced by the OWC machine was used to enhance the society’s gardens, and the surplus compost was even sold to nearby nurseries, generating additional income for the society.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates how an OWC machine can be a transformative solution for waste management, especially in urban settings where space and waste disposal are major challenges. The society’s investment in the OWC machine not only helped reduce their waste footprint but also contributed to building a greener, more sustainable environment. The success of this project has inspired other residential societies in Mumbai to adopt similar waste management solutions.