Efficient Waste Management

Our approach to waste management is built on a structured process aimed at minimising environmental impact while contributing positively to society. From collection and segregation to transportation, reprocessing, recycling, and disposal, each step is designed to ensure responsible handling of diverse waste types. Fly ash remains the primary solid waste from our operations, accompanied by municipal, hazardous, biomedical, and e-waste, with disposal methods customised to the nature of the waste.

Adhering to strict regulatory standards, we prioritise the utilisation of fly ash, a non-hazardous waste, which poses logistical challenges in specific regions, such as at our Tiroda plant. Hazardous wastes, including used oil, spent resins, and empty oil containers, are disposed of through authorised agencies in compliance with the Hazardous Waste Handling and Management Rules.

Key Pillars of Waste Management

Our waste management strategy is structured around four key focus areas: Waste Minimisation, Reuse and Recycling, Safe Disposal, and Innovation and Technology. By prioritising the reduction of waste at its source through optimised processes, we aim to minimise the environmental footprint. Reuse and recycling initiatives ensure that materials are repurposed effectively, reducing the volume sent to landfills. For waste that cannot be reused or recycled, safe and environmentally responsible disposal practices are implemented. Additionally, innovative technologies and advanced

practices are leveraged to further enhance waste management processes and promote sustainability across all operations.

Advancing Waste Management Initiatives

• Installed a High Concentration Slurry Disposal (HCSD) system at the Tiroda plant to solidify ash immediately, reducing fugitive emissions and ensuring safer disposal
• Developed infrastructure to handle and sell fly ash, supporting its utilisation in cement manufacturing and other applications
• Achieved single-use plastic-free certification for nine out of twelve power-generating units and installed waste-paper recycling units at Tiroda, Kawai, and Udupi Thermal Power Plants (TPPs)
• Encouraged sustainable practices by training and supporting 50 local entrepreneurs to establish fly ash brick manufacturing units and producing 12,000 fly ash bricks and 1,000 tiles daily for in-house use
• Established a Fly Ash Utilisation Promotion and Research Park and built facilities to transport fly ash via specialised railway wagons from the Tiroda plant
• Disposed of non-recyclable hazardous waste through SPCB-approved Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities (TSDF) and maintained proper storage for hazardous materials like used oil and spent resins
• Initiated composting of organic waste blended with fly ash to produce quality manure for greenbelt development and landscaping across operational sites