Pune’s Solution to Textile Waste Crisis Unveiled
In an effort to address the growing environmental challenge posed by textile waste, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is taking a significant step by setting up the city’s first dedicated textile waste processing unit. The initiative aims to manage the 100 to 125 tonnes of textile waste that Pune generates daily, a quantity that cannot be processed alongside regular solid waste. The city’s daily waste generation includes 1200 to 1300 tonnes of dry waste and 900 to 1000 tonnes of wet waste. Among this, textile waste—comprising items such as clothes, mattresses, sofa cushions, leather bags, and shoes—remains a persistent challenge for existing waste management systems.
Currently, textile waste cannot be efficiently processed with general dry waste due to its bulk and composition. Unlike typical dry waste, textile materials are too large to be compressed and tend to get stuck in the feeder conveyors of the waste processing machinery. As a result, it requires a specialised approach. Sandip Kadam, the head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management (SWM) department, noted that the new unit would ensure eco-friendly processing, which would mitigate the environmental impact of improperly disposed textile waste. By tackling this issue directly, the PMC aims to prevent further harm to nature caused by the accumulation of non-biodegradable materials in landfills.
The location for this unit will be finalised once approval is granted by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), a crucial step for ensuring environmental safety and compliance. While the final decision on location is pending, the PMC is moving forward with plans to issue a tender for setting up the facility later this month. The project’s estimated cost is between ₹3 to ₹4 crore, though the final budget could fluctuate depending on land allocation and the required machinery. This investment will mark a significant milestone in the city’s long-term waste management strategy.
From a sustainability standpoint, this move represents a critical shift towards more responsible urban waste management practices. The growth of textile consumption and fast fashion has significantly contributed to the increase in textile waste, much of which ends up in landfills, exacerbating pollution. As cities like Pune grapple with the effects of rapid urbanisation and growing waste, initiatives such as this textile waste processing unit are vital in creating more sustainable and circular urban environments. The PMC’s initiative aligns with the global shift towards reducing waste through recycling and repurposing materials, making it a key development in Pune’s sustainable future. Beyond the immediate benefits of waste management, the project holds the potential to educate citizens on the importance of textile recycling, fostering a more conscious approach to consumption in the future.
