Chennai Recycles 1 Lakh Tonnes of Construction Waste in 3 Months, Offers Cheaper Sand Alternative

Chennai recycled over 1 lakh tonnes of construction and demolition (C&D) waste within three months, marking it a big step towards green waste management. Under the lead of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the initiative is transforming construction debris into green substitutes for traditional building materials.

At the heart of the operation are two units in Perungudi and Kodungaiyur. These facilities sort, crush, wash, and screen waste to produce sand, gravel, and stones suitable for reuse. The Perungudi plant alone handles 1,500 tonnes daily and is set to expand capacity to 5,000 tonnes soon.

“To reduce dust emissions, we’ve installed sprinklers at secondary collection centres and are moving towards using treated water,” said a senior GCC official. The water used in processing is also recycled through a thickener tank, minimizing environmental impact and conserving resources.

GCC has partnered with a private firm under a public-private model. While the civic body covers processing costs, the private player manages investment and operations. This collaboration has resulted in recycled sand that is 30% cheaper than natural sand making it a popular choice for filling and landscaping works.

A technical advisor from the private partner said the recycled materials are gaining traction. “Major companies and airport contractors are now using our sand. It’s cost-effective and supports responsible waste disposal,” he noted.

Citywide operations span 15 zones, with 201 vehicles and 566 workers deployed to collect and transport waste. To curb illegal dumping, GCC will enforce stricter penalties starting April 21. Fines will range from ₹3,000 to ₹25,000 based on the offense. In the last three months alone, 284 violators were fined a total of ₹14.2 lakh.

With its large-scale recycling effort and strict enforcement, Chennai is setting an example for other cities facing mounting construction waste. The initiative not only helps manage debris efficiently but also promotes greener alternatives in the building sector.