Waste Management – Six New Processing Centres to Transform Waste Handling in Nellore District
Waste Management – Six modern waste processing centres are set to improve solid waste management across Nellore district, with authorities aiming to reduce landfill dependence and promote environmentally responsible disposal methods.
The Nellore district administration is preparing to launch six waste processing centres that will convert biodegradable municipal waste into compost for public and commercial use. These facilities are being developed at Nellore, Gudur, Allur, Atmakur, Buchireddypalem, and Kavali as part of a broader effort to strengthen scientific waste management across the region. Officials have confirmed that the Nellore facility is expected to become operational by the end of this month, while the remaining centres are scheduled to begin functioning next month.
Waste Processing Network Nears Completion
The new facilities are being established under the supervision of the Swachh Andhra Corporation in coordination with the Public Health Department. Although the government is overseeing the project, the day-to-day operations of all six plants will be handled by a private agency selected for the purpose. The initiative is expected to streamline waste collection and processing while reducing the burden on existing dumping grounds.
Authorities believe the new infrastructure will significantly improve the handling of household and commercial waste by separating biodegradable material for compost production instead of sending it directly to landfill sites.
Waste-to-Energy Project Planned for Donthali
In another major development, Jindal Company has proposed the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant in Nellore. The planned facility, expected to be constructed at Donthali next year, will have a generation capacity of 12 megawatts. The project, estimated to cost around ₹6 crore, is designed to convert municipal solid waste into electricity, adding an energy-generation component to the district’s waste management strategy.
Officials say the proposed plant will complement the composting centres by ensuring that different categories of waste are processed through suitable methods, reducing environmental impact while creating useful resources.
Landfill Burden Expected to Reduce
Municipal Commissioner YO Nandan said the commissioning of the new processing centres would bring a major change in the way waste is managed in Nellore. According to him, fresh municipal waste will be transported directly to the processing facilities instead of being dumped at the Donthali landfill.
He explained that biodegradable waste will be converted into compost, which can be used for various civic purposes within the municipal corporation. Surplus compost will also be made available for sale, creating an additional source of value from material that would otherwise become landfill waste.
Officials expect this approach to gradually eliminate the large piles of garbage currently seen at the Donthali dumping yard, improving sanitation and reducing environmental concerns in the surrounding area.
Non-Biodegradable Waste to Be Reused
The authorities have also prepared a disposal plan for materials that cannot be converted into compost. Plastic waste and other non-biodegradable residues generated during the processing stage will be supplied to cement manufacturing units for co-processing, ensuring that these materials are reused instead of being discarded.
The district generates substantial volumes of municipal solid waste every day. Nellore city alone produces nearly 360 tonnes daily, making it the largest contributor. Kavali generates around 60 tonnes each day, followed by Gudur with approximately 40 tonnes. Buchireddypalem contributes about 30 tonnes, while Atmakur and Allur produce nearly 20 tonnes and 15 tonnes respectively.
With the commissioning of these new facilities, officials expect the district to move towards a more organised, sustainable and environmentally responsible waste management system that supports cleaner cities and better resource utilisation.