Kochi Introduces Automated Waste Management System At Naval Base Through Legrand India
Kochi’s INS Venduruthy Naval Base has unveiled an automated biodegradable waste management system, installed by Group Legrand India, aiming to transform organic waste handling for its 11,000-strong community. The facility processes approximately one tonne of waste daily into odourless compost within 12 hours, without using electrical heating, making it energy-efficient and emission-free. The initiative strengthens the base’s zero-waste objectives while showcasing a scalable model for sustainable, decentralised waste solutions in India.
The system integrates shredding and drying technology to convert garden and kitchen waste into a dry, compost-ready material, eliminating odours and greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike traditional composting, which can take days, this fully automated unit delivers results within half a day, optimising operations for large institutional campuses. Its patented design ensures that all organic waste generated on-site is processed efficiently, reducing reliance on external disposal or landfill.Abida Aneez, Head of CSR and Sustainability at Group Legrand India, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to innovative environmental solutions that promote circular economy practices. By implementing this system at INS Venduruthy, we are helping set benchmarks for responsible waste management that other organisations can replicate nationwide.”
This project builds on the success of last year’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) for plastic recycling at the Naval Base, which now diverts more than 100 tonnes of plastic annually from landfills. The addition of the biodegradable waste processing unit complements existing systems, positioning the base as a near-zero solid waste campus. Together, these initiatives demonstrate how technology-driven solutions can advance both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.Cmde VZ Job, Commanding Officer of INS Venduruthy, noted that the integrated facility has become a model for other organisations across India. “The new equipment enables us to manage our waste comprehensively while reducing environmental impact, and it showcases how structured, automated systems can deliver measurable benefits,” he said.Experts observe that institutional adoption of advanced waste technologies is critical for India’s urban sustainability ambitions. Facilities such as Kochi’s Naval Base not only minimise landfill dependency but also generate high-quality compost and fertiliser for landscaping or allied applications, creating local resource loops. The project highlights the broader potential of embedding circular economy principles in large campuses and urban institutions.
As cities and public institutions across India look to meet zero-waste and net-zero emissions targets, Kochi’s approach demonstrates that collaborative innovation between private industry and government institutions can deliver scalable, eco-conscious waste management solutions while serving as a blueprint for other urban centres.
