MODULE 2

Biological treatment of the organic waste fraction: Direct land

application, composting, and anaerobic digestion.
MSW Rules 2016, Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities
Program.
Presenting by:
Prof. SPOORTHI B B. E., M. Tech., (Ph.D.)

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
GMIT, DAVANAGERE
 Introduction to Organic Waste
Management
Definition of Organic Waste:
 Organic waste consists of biodegradable materials that were once part of a living
organism and undergo rapid decomposition.
 Includes food waste, yard trimmings, and other natural materials that can easily
decompose.
 These materials are composed primarily of C, H O2 and N.
Sources : Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Agricultural Waste, Food Waste etc.
 Biological Treatment of Organic
Waste Fraction

 Concept of biological treatment

 Advantages of biological treatment over conventional
methods
 Role of microorganisms in organic waste degradation
 Types of biological treatment processes
 1. Concept of Biological Treatment
 Biological treatment is the process of using microorganisms (bacteria, fungi,
and other decomposers) to break down organic waste into stable,
environmentally safe by-products such as compost, biogas, or nutrient-rich soil
amendments.
 This process mimics natural decomposition and is widely used in municipal
solid waste (MSW) management, wastewater treatment, and agricultural
waste recycling.
 The main objective is to convert organic matter into useful end-products while
reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal.
2. Advantages of biological treatment
over conventional methods
Conventional Methods
Aspect Biological Treatment
(Landfilling, Incineration)
Eco-friendly, reduces
Environmental Impact High emissions (GHG, dioxins)
methane emissions
Converts waste into compost
Nutrient Recovery No nutrient recovery
and biogas
Significantly reduces waste
Waste Reduction Only partial volume reduction
volume
Produces renewable energy
Energy Efficiency High energy consumption
(biogas)
High operational and maintenance
Economic Feasibility Lower long-term costs
costs
Controlled with proper
Odor & Pollution Causes air and water pollution
management
 3. Types of Biological Treatment
Processes
1. Composting (Aerobic)
Organic waste decomposes in the presence of oxygen.
Produces compost, a nutrient-rich soil conditioner.
2. Anaerobic Digestion (Without Oxygen)
Breakdown of organic matter by bacteria in an oxygen-free environment.
Produces biogas (methane + CO₂) and digestate (organic residue).
Used in waste-to-energy plants and wastewater treatment.
3. Vermicomposting
Uses earthworms to decompose organic waste into nutrient-rich vermi
compost. Faster decomposition with improved soil benefits.
4. Bio-drying
Partial decomposition of organic waste to reduce moisture content, making it
suitable for refuse-derived fuel (RDF) production.
5. Bio-filtration & Bio-scrubbing
Uses microbial biofilms to remove odours and pollutants from waste
processing emissions.
 Direct Land Application
Direct Land Application is the process of applying untreated or
minimally treated organic waste directly to agricultural land, forests,
or degraded soils to enhance soil fertility and organic matter content.
This method relies on natural decomposition and soil microbial
activity to break down the organic material, releasing nutrients
essential for plant growth.
 PRINCIPLES
Ensuring waste is biodegradable and non-toxic
Proper timing and method of application to maximize nutrient
absorption
Maintaining an appropriate carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio for effective
decomposition
Preventing leachate contamination of groundwater
Compliance with environmental and regulatory guidelines
 Benefits of Direct Land
Application
Soil Fertility Improvement:
Increases organic matter content, enhancing soil structure
Provides essential nutrients (N, P, K, micronutrients)
Improves water retention capacity of soil
Enhances microbial diversity for better nutrient cycling
Waste Reduction:
Reduces the volume of organic waste sent to landfills
Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions from waste decomposition in landfills
Encourages resource recovery and circular economy
 Challenges and Limitations
Odor Issues:
Decomposing organic matter releases foul smells, especially in humid
conditions
Requires proper timing and incorporation into soil to minimize odor
Contamination Risks:
Pathogens and heavy metals in untreated waste can harm soil and crops
Leachate runoff may contaminate groundwater and surface water
Presence of plastic and non-biodegradable materials in mixed waste
Regulatory and Public Concerns:
Requires monitoring and compliance with waste management rules
Farmers and local communities may be reluctant due to perceived health
risks
 1. COMPOSTING (Aerobic)
COMPOSTING is the process in which organic materials undergo
biological degradation to stable nuisance free humus like end products
COPMPOSTING is the transformation of organic matter through
decomposition into a soil like material called as compost
 MSW Rules 2016
The Municipal Solid Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2016,
commonly known as MSW Rules 2016, were notified by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, on
April 8, 2016.

Resource available at CPCB Website

ANAEROBIC COMPOSTING
Research Proposal
 Swachh Bharat Mission
 Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India
Mission is a country-wide campaign initiated by the GOI on 2 October 2014
to eliminate Open defecation and improve SWM and to create Open
Defecation Free (ODF) villages.
 It is a restructured version of the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan which was
launched by the GOI in 2009.
 Initiated by the Government of India, the mission aimed to achieve an "ODF”
India by 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma
Gandhi through construction of toilets.
 An estimated 90 million toilets were built in the period.
Eradicate open defecation and promote the use of toilets.
Improve solid and liquid waste management.
Ensure sustainable sanitation infrastructure.
Encourage behavioral change through awareness campaigns.
Promote community participation in cleanliness drives.
Phases of SBM
Phase 1 of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) lasted until 2 October 2019, and
Phase 2 is being implemented between 2020–21 and 2024–25 to help cement
the work of Phase 1.
 The objectives of the first phase of the mission also included eradication
of manual scavenging, generating awareness and bringing about a behavior
change regarding sanitation practices, and augmentation of capacity at the
local level.
 The second phase of the mission aims to sustain the open defecation-free
status and improve the management of solid and liquid waste, while also
working to improve the lives of sanitation workers.[
The mission was split into two: rural and urban.
In rural areas "SBM - Gramin" was financed and monitored through the Ministry
of Drinking Water and Sanitation (since converted to the Department of Drinking
Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti) whereas "SBM - urban"
was overseen by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
 SMART CITY
MISSION
 The Smart City Mission (SCM) is an initiative launched by the
Government of India in 2015 to promote sustainable and inclusive
urban development.
 The Union Ministry of Urban Development is responsible for
implementing the mission in collaboration with the state
governments of the respective cities.
 The mission was planned to include 100 cities, with the project
completion deadline between 2019 and 2023.
 As of January 2025, 7479 out of a total of 8058 tendered projects
have been completed, utilizing ₹150,002 crores out of the total
tendered amount of ₹164,368 crore.
 Objectives of the Smart City Program
 Improving infrastructure and services in urban areas
 Promoting sustainable development
 Enhancing urban mobility and public transport
 Ensuring safety and security of citizens
 Strengthening governance and e-governance
 Encouraging public participation in urban planning
 KEY FEATURES OF SMART
CITIES
1. Smart Governance – Digital governance, e-Government
services, online payments, and grievance redressal systems.
2. Smart Mobility – Improved public transportation, intelligent
traffic management, and pedestrian-friendly pathways.
3. Smart Environment – Renewable energy, green buildings, solid
waste management, and pollution control.
4. Smart Economy – Promotion of startups, IT hubs, and financial
inclusion.
5. Smart Living – Improved healthcare, education, and affordable
housing.
6. Smart People – Digital literacy, skill development, and active
citizen participation.
Karnataka: Belagavi, Bengaluru, Davanagere, Hubbali-
Dharwad, Mangaluru, Shimoga, Tumakuru,
COMPONENTS OF THE SCM:
Area-based Development:
 Redevelopment: Renewal of existing urban areas to improve
infrastructure and amenities.
 Retrofitting: Upgrading infrastructure in existing areas to make them
more efficient and sustainable.
 Greenfield Projects: Development of new urban areas with a focus on
sustainability and smart technologies.
Pan-City Solutions:
 Implementation of Information and Communication Technology
(ICT) solutions across various sectors such as e-governance, waste
management, water management, energy management, urban mobility,
and skill development.
SELECTION PROCESS

The selection of cities under the Smart City Mission follows a competitive
process:

Cities submit Smart City Proposals (SCP) based on their needs.

Proposals are evaluated based on feasibility, impact, and funding requirements.
Selected cities receive financial assistance from the central and state
governments.

FUNDING AND FINANCIAL MODEL

The Government of India provides ₹100 crore per city per year for five years.
State governments and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) provide matching funds.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and foreign investments are
encouraged.
Challenges in Smart City Development
High cost of implementation
Integration of legacy infrastructure with modern technology
Public awareness and participation
Cyber security threats
Coordination between government agencies
Smart Cities in India
The first list of 20 smart cities was announced in 2016, followed by additional
rounds, leading to 100 cities selected across India. Some prominent smart cities
include:
 Bhubaneswar – Known for its intelligent traffic systems and urban mobility
solutions.
 Pune – Focus on e-governance and smart water management.
 Indore – Leading in waste management and clean energy initiatives.
 Surat – Smart surveillance and flood management.