Recover to Control

The most advanced Material Recovery Facility (MRF) of Delhi in Zakhira ensured informal sector inclusion and gave momentum to healthy waste management

For a long time, Indian cities have typically collected, transported, and discarded mixed wastes in landfills. This has only cost the environment heavily, causing air and water pollution and drainage of resources. A path to solution is an MRF, which can track waste from its generation to its utilization. With the support of Coca-Cola India and the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC), the first semi-mechanized waste facility was set up in Delhi. The facility was designed to handle 8 tons of waste daily. This includes 1 ton of wet waste, to be composted on-site

The main objective was to reduce the waste going to the Bhalsawa landfill, and safely recycle plastic waste, accounting for low-value plastics via an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) mechanism.

It comprises two automatic bailers of 250 kg each for ease of storage. It also nurtures the idea of local composting. The plastic waste, such as PET Bottles and Multi-layered plastics are sold to EPR-compliant recyclers by the micro-entrepreneurs after the NDMC verifies the amounts. Informal sector inclusion is the key to this facility, especially for women wastepickers. They were given all required training, safety measures, and set working hours so that they earn incomes with dignity and also take care of their family. Their work satisfaction is also high. According to Radha, one of the workers at the MRF, “Everyone at the facility supports each other and this makes the environment here even better.” Less waste is entering our landfills, water bodies, and open pits, thanks to women like Radha who work at this MRF, which has also provided a sense of security for them.