Lucknow Becomes Uttar Pradesh’s First ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ City; Shivri Solid Waste Management Plant Inaugurated

Lucknow:
The capital city of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, has achieved a major milestone in urban waste management by becoming the state’s first ‘Zero Fresh Waste Dump’ city. With the commissioning of a new solid waste processing plant at Shivri, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has ensured that all fresh waste generated daily in the city is scientifically processed, leaving no untreated waste to be dumped in the open.

Municipal officials said this waste management model stands as a strong example of the circular economy, and is fast emerging as a source of inspiration for cities across India and abroad.

Scientific Processing of 100% Urban Waste

Lucknow, with a population of nearly 40 lakh and over 7.5 lakh commercial establishments, generates close to 2,000 metric tonnes of solid waste every day. Managing such a large volume had long posed a challenge. To address this, the municipal corporation adopted a multi-dimensional strategy focused on scientific disposal, resource recovery and sustainable urban development.

The inauguration of the third fresh waste processing plant at Shivri, with a capacity of 700 metric tonnes per day, marks a turning point. Two similar plants were already operational at the site. With all three facilities combined, the city now has a total processing capacity of over 2,100 metric tonnes per day, sufficient to handle the entire daily waste load.

As a result, Lucknow has eliminated the need for open dumping of fresh waste and earned the distinction of being Uttar Pradesh’s first city with 100% scientific treatment of municipal solid waste.

From Waste to Resources

Under the waste management system, collected garbage is segregated into biodegradable (55%) and non-biodegradable (45%) components.

• Biodegradable waste is converted into compost and biogas.
• Non-biodegradable waste is recycled or transformed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), which is supplied to cement and paper industries as an alternative fuel.

Door-to-door waste collection efficiency in the city has reached 96.53%, while source-level segregation has crossed 70%, reflecting increased public participation and administrative efficiency.

Legacy Waste Cleared, Land Reclaimed

According to the municipal corporation, out of nearly 18.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste accumulated over the years, 12.86 lakh metric tonnes have already been scientifically processed. This has yielded RDF, construction and demolition (C&D) waste, bio-soil and coarse material, all of which have been reused in an environmentally responsible manner.

About 2.27 lakh metric tonnes of RDF has been supplied to industries across the country, while bio-soil and C&D waste have been used for landfilling in low-lying areas and infrastructure development. This massive cleanup has helped reclaim nearly 25 acres of land at the Shivri site, making it reusable.

Future Plan: Waste-to-Energy

Looking ahead, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation is preparing to set up a 15 MW waste-to-energy plant at Shivri. The proposed facility will generate electricity using 1,000 to 1,200 metric tonnes of RDF per day, significantly reducing transportation costs and dependence on distant cement plants.

With this achievement, Lucknow has positioned itself as a model city in sustainable waste management, demonstrating how scientific planning, infrastructure investment and public cooperation can transform urban challenges into environmental opportunities.