Lucknow Becomes Uttar Pradesh’s First Zero Fresh Waste Dump City

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is emerging as a leading example of sustainable urban waste management amid rapid population and economic growth. With nearly 40 lakh residents and about 7.5 lakh establishments, the city faces complex environmental challenges. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has adopted a multi-pronged, scientific approach to waste management that focuses on resource recovery, environmental protection, and public health.

Third Waste Processing Plant Commissioned

Lucknow recently inaugurated its third fresh waste processing facility at the Shivari Plant, making it the first city in Uttar Pradesh to achieve 100 per cent scientific processing of municipal solid waste. With a processing capacity of 700 metric tonnes per day, the new plant complements two existing facilities, enabling the city to scientifically process over 2,100 metric tonnes of waste daily. This milestone has earned Lucknow the distinction of a ‘zero fresh waste dump’ city, eliminating the need for open dumping.

Integrated Waste Segregation and Resource Recovery

The city generates around 2,000 metric tonnes of waste each day, which is managed through a partnership between LMC and Bhumi Green Energy. Waste is segregated into organic (55 per cent) and inorganic (45 per cent) fractions. Organic waste is converted into compost and biogas, while inorganic waste is recycled or transformed into Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) for use in cement and paper industries. Door-to-door waste collection efficiency has reached 96.53 per cent, with source segregation levels exceeding 70 per cent.

Legacy Waste Remediation and Land Reclamation

Out of approximately 18.5 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste, about 12.86 lakh metric tonnes has been scientifically processed. The by-products include RDF, construction and demolition waste, bio-soil, and coarse fractions, which have been reused through recycling, co-processing, and low-land filling. As a result, over 25 acres of land has been reclaimed and redeveloped into a modern waste treatment facility equipped with windrow pads, internal roads, sheds, weighbridges, and a complete processing ecosystem.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Lucknow is the first city in Uttar Pradesh with 100% scientific waste processing.
• Refuse Derived Fuel is used for co-processing in cement and paper industries.
• Source segregation is a key component of scientific waste management.
• Legacy waste remediation helps reclaim land and reduce environmental hazards.

Waste-to-Energy and Circular Economy Vision

Looking ahead, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation plans to establish a 15 MW Waste-to-Energy plant at Shivari, which will convert 1,000–1,200 metric tonnes of RDF daily into electricity. This will reduce transportation costs and dependence on distant cement plants located nearly 500 km away. Lucknow’s waste management strategy reflects strong adherence to circular economy principles by maximising resource recovery, minimising landfill use, and promoting reuse and recycling, setting a benchmark for cities across India and beyond.