Guidelines on MSW Incineration-Based Waste-to-Energy Plants

Introduction

The Guidelines on MSW Incineration-Based Waste-to-Energy Plants released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in August 2025 provide a comprehensive roadmap for developing, operating, and regulating waste-to-energy (WtE) facilities in India. With urban India generating over 170,000 tonnes of MSW daily, landfills face critical pressure. Incineration-based WtE systems, when designed and operated correctly, offer a sustainable solution for processing non-recyclable, high-calorific waste while generating renewable energy. These guidelines aim to ensure technical efficiency, regulatory compliance, and environmental safeguards, making them crucial for waste management in Tier-I and Tier-II cities.

Objectives of the Guidelines

The guidelines are not just regulatory documents but practical tools for stakeholders. They:

Provide direction on waste preprocessing, technology design, and energy recovery.
Ensure alignment with Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2016.
Standardize measures for emission control, ash handling, and leachate management.
Address odour and occupational safety at facilities.
Promote circular economy by enabling resource recovery from bottom ash and RDF.

Scope and Applicability

These guidelines cover:

Feedstock suitability – Calorific value, segregation, and pretreatment requirements.
Process design – Incinerators, boilers, air pollution control systems, and energy output.
Environmental safeguards – Emission monitoring, leachate treatment, odour control.
Compliance obligations – SWM Rules 2016, Hazardous Waste Rules 2016, siting criteria.

They apply to:

All existing and upcoming WtE plants across India.
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) planning waste management projects.
Regulatory authorities (SPCBs/PCCs) for enforcement and compliance monitoring.

Regulatory Framework

The guidelines integrate with SWM Rules, 2016 and mandate:

Local bodies to facilitate WtE infrastructure (Rule 15).
SPCBs to issue authorizations and monitor compliance (Rule 16).
Mandatory use of non-recyclable waste with ≥1500 kcal/kg calorific value for energy recovery (Rule 21).
Adherence to strict stack emission and leachate discharge standards.
Provision of buffer zones and green belts around facilities.

National and Global Status of WtE Plants

India: Currently, 21 WtE plants operate in states like Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, processing thousands of tonnes of MSW daily.
Global: With over 1,700 WtE plants worldwide, countries like Japan, Germany, France, and the U.S. lead adoption. Mega plants in China (Shenzhen East) and UAE (Dubai) handle more than 5,500 tonnes/day each, producing 165–185 MW of power.

Waste-to-Energy Production Process

The process involves multiple steps:

Reception & Preprocessing: Waste delivered in compactors is weighed, screened, and stored under negative pressure to minimize odour.
Segregation: Combination of manual sorting and mechanical segregation (trommels, shredders, ballistic separators, magnetic separators).
Composting: Biodegradable fractions undergo controlled composting before reuse.
Incineration & Energy Recovery: RDF is incinerated at 950–1100°C, generating steam for turbines and producing electricity.

Environmental Issues and Challenges

WtE facilities face four major environmental risks:

Stack emissions: Particulate matter, NOx, SO₂, CO, dioxins, furans, and heavy metals.
Solid residues: Bottom ash (20–30% of input) and fly ash (2–3%) require safe disposal.
Leachate: Contaminated liquid from waste storage must undergo strict treatment.
Odour: Poor housekeeping can lead to community resistance.

Environmental Management Plan

The guidelines recommend:

Air Pollution Control: Use of lime injection, activated carbon, bag filters, and tall stacks with Online Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (OCEMS).
Leachate Treatment: Multi-stage processes like Reverse Osmosis, Multi-Effect Evaporators (MEE), and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems.
Ash Management: Heavy metal testing before reuse. Safe reuse includes brick-making and road construction (if non-hazardous).
Odour Control: Negative air pressure systems, herbal disinfectants, and use of combustion air to destroy odour compounds.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Guidelines on MSW Incineration-Based Waste-to-Energy Plants (2025) strengthen India’s waste management framework. They emphasize advanced technology adoption, strict pollution control, and regulatory compliance while addressing environmental and social challenges. By balancing waste reduction, energy recovery, and environmental safeguards, these guidelines pave the way for sustainable urban development. For cities grappling with landfill crises, they provide a structured path toward greener, cleaner, and energy-efficient waste management.

Download: MSW Waste to Energy Guidelines 2025 Explained