How India Is Turning Waste Into Clean Biogas (& How You Can Be A Part Of It)

By Rajaram Prajapati

India, a country that generates nearly 150,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste every day, is now taking bold steps to transform this massive burden into a valuable asset, clean energy. From biogas and compressed natural gas (CNG) plants powered by kitchen and organic waste to community-level segregation initiatives, India is turning its waste crisis into a clean-energy opportunity. 

This shift isn’t just about advanced technologies or government projects; it’s more about how every citizen can actively contribute to building a greener, more sustainable future.

Fueling the Urban Clean Energy Drive through Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0

Building on its success, Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0 is encouraging cities to establish waste-to-energy and biomethanation plants. These technologies process wet waste and convert it into usable gas or electricity. 

Urban residents can accelerate this shift by adopting basic habits, like separating kitchen waste at source, composting at home, or encouraging their societies to participate in decentralised waste processing efforts. When clean, segregated waste reaches these facilities, the efficiency of the system improves, reducing the reliance on landfills and cutting emissions.

SATAT and the Government’s Push Toward Bio-CNG

To support energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuels, the Government of India launched the SATAT (Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation) initiative. The goal is to set up 5,000 compressed biogas plants by 2025, processing waste like crop residue, municipal solid waste, and cow dung. 

These plants will feed into India’s growing demand for eco-friendly fuel alternatives in transportation and industry. Public support plays a critical role in this mission. By segregating organic waste properly and supporting community-level collection efforts, citizens can ensure that high-quality feedstock reaches these plants, making them more efficient and sustainable.

Complementing this national push, states like Madhya Pradesh are taking strong steps to promote waste-to-energy projects by offering a dual grant system under the Swachh Bharat Mission. 

This includes financial incentives provided by both the central and state governments to support municipal corporations in setting up infrastructure for converting waste into clean energy, such as biogas and bio-CNG. These measures are aimed at reducing the pressure on landfills, managing municipal solid waste sustainably, and accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions across cities in the state. 

Reimagining Landfills as Energy Assets

India’s overflowing landfills, such as those in Ghazipur (Delhi) and Deonar (Mumbai), are being reimagined as potential energy hubs. Projects are underway to extract methane from old waste dumps and convert it into usable biogas, while simultaneously remediating land. 

However, to ensure such dumps don't continue to grow, less mixed waste must reach them in the first place. Households and businesses that practice source segregation and reduce waste generation play a vital role in curbing landfill expansion. 

Supporting waste collection drives and demanding better infrastructure from local authorities are additional ways to stay involved.

Segregation at Source

No waste-to-energy technology can function effectively without proper waste segregation at source. When food scraps, garden waste, and biodegradable material are separated from plastic and metal, they can be processed into clean energy or compost. 

This simple habit, adopted widely, can transform entire city ecosystems. Starting with three bins, green for organic, blue for recyclable, and red for hazardous, can make a big difference. Encouraging neighbours, educating domestic staff, and holding community awareness sessions helps embed these habits into daily routines.

Community-Led Biogas Projects Are Gaining Ground

Across India, community-driven biogas units are emerging as sustainable solutions. In cities like Pune and Bengaluru, residential complexes, hostels, and schools have installed compact biogas digesters that convert food waste into gas for cooking or electricity for common areas. These initiatives thrive on collective will and leadership at the grassroots level. 

Residents’ welfare associations (RWAs) and local volunteers have been instrumental in championing such projects. When communities pool resources and coordinate waste collection, the results are not just cleaner surroundings but reduced energy bills and a stronger sense of responsibility.

Spreading Awareness Through Digital and On-Ground Platforms

Awareness remains a key pillar in ensuring success. Municipal bodies, NGOs, and green startups are actively working to educate people about the importance of waste segregation and the potential of clean energy from waste. Campaigns in schools, workshops in housing societies, and informational drives on social media are helping to shift mindsets. 

Tools like the Swachhata App enable citizens to report uncollected waste, locate composting centres, and track municipal services. By staying informed, sharing best practices, and participating in awareness programs, individuals become active contributors to the solution.

Businesses and Institutions Can Lead by Example

Larger institutions and commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and food processors produce significant volumes of organic waste. Many of them are now collaborating with bio-CNG providers or setting up in-house waste-to-energy systems. 

When businesses prioritise sustainability in their waste management, it not only sets an example but also inspires trust among environmentally conscious consumers. Employees and patrons can play a role by advocating for greener operations, reducing food waste, and supporting eco-friendly brands.

The Path to a Cleaner India Starts with Everyday Choices

India’s journey toward converting waste into clean energy is promising, but it cannot succeed through policy and technology alone. It requires widespread behavioural change. Whether it’s by composting kitchen waste, supporting local initiatives, attending workshops, or simply leading by example, every small effort adds up. 

A cleaner, energy-efficient future depends on the decisions made in homes, schools, offices, and markets. When citizens act with awareness and purpose, they become key players in shaping India’s sustainable future.

(The author is the CTO and Director of CEID Consultants & Engineering Pvt. Ltd.)

Disclaimer: The opinions, beliefs, and views expressed by the various authors and forum participants on this website are personal and do not reflect the opinions, beliefs, and views of ABP Network Pvt. Ltd.

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