Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram marks a significant milestone in the city’s pursuit of sustainable waste management, as the first consignment of organic compost is exported to Dubai. The first consignment of organic compost from the Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram to Dubai was flagged off on Monday, marking a significant step in the civic body’s pursuit of sustainable waste management. Mayor M. Anilkumar flagged off the consignment. The compost, produced through an eco-friendly process using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, is being exported to the Dubai-based SSK Blending LLC for their vertical farming initiatives. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anilkumar emphasised that Brahmapuram no longer epitomises the Corporation’s waste management crisis.
- “This is not the Brahmapuram that once made headlines for the wrong reasons, but rather one of hope, of change, and of global impact. From the inferno at the plant in Brahmapuram to exporting high-quality compost to Dubai, Kochi is showing the world what responsible governance and innovation can achieve,”
- He also lauded the role played by Health Standing Committee Chairman T.K. Ashraf and Babu Al Kadeer, the former secretary of the Corporation, in taking the campaign forward.
- “This is a collective success. The transformation of Brahmapuram is a result of persistent effort, policy direction, and the will to turn things around. Today, one can walk — or even sleep — inside this waste processing facility, a stark contrast to what it was just a few years ago,”
The compost is produced by Fabbco Bio Cycle Pvt Ltd, which has been managing 50 tonnes of Kochi’s food waste daily for the past one and a half years. Through the innovative use of BSF larvae, the facility generates 10 tonnes of compost each day, now finding global value as a natural fertiliser.
- “The Dubai-based company preferred insect frass — the excrement of insects — over ordinary compost. The larva-based, insect frass-driven composting system we follow at Brahmapuram ensures the fastest composting, completing the process within 11 to 12 days compared to other methods that take 40 to 50 days,”
- “Though the Dubai-based company explored various locations across India, the production volume was minimal. We now have a ready stock of up to 150 tonnes,”
A representative had also visited the unit at Brahmapuram. The sample that Fabbco sent matched the quality standards set by the company, leading to the placement of the order. The company follows a 16-layer stacking system using trays at Brahmapuram, which facilitates the treatment of 425 kg of food waste per six square feet — ensuring maximum productivity in minimal space, he said.
“Today, we are not just talking about waste management; we are talking about innovation, job creation, and environmental protection,”
The export marks a significant step forward in the city’s pursuit of sustainable waste management, as it demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions to transform urban waste management practices. The compost, produced through an eco-friendly process using BSF larvae, is not only a natural fertiliser but also has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal. The fast composting process, which completes within 11 to 12 days, is a significant advantage over traditional composting methods that take 40 to 50 days. The Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram has made significant progress in its efforts to improve waste management in the city, with the facility now operating efficiently and productively.
A key aspect of this success is the innovative use of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae, which has enabled the facility to generate 10 tonnes of compost per day. This is a significant increase in productivity, and demonstrates the potential for innovative solutions to transform urban waste management practices. The use of BSF larvae also has several environmental benefits, including:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposal
- Minimising landfill waste and water pollution
- Creating job opportunities in the waste management sector
The Kochi Corporation’s efforts to improve waste management in the city have been widely recognised, with the city winning several awards for its innovative waste management practices. The success of the Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in improving waste management practices. The plant’s innovative use of BSF larvae and 16-layer stacking system has enabled it to generate high-quality compost in a fast and efficient manner. In conclusion, the export of organic compost from the Kochi Corporation’s solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram to Dubai marks a significant step forward in the city’s pursuit of sustainable waste management. The innovative use of BSF larvae and 16-layer stacking system has enabled the facility to generate high-quality compost in a fast and efficient manner, with significant environmental benefits.