For decades, the Perungudi dumpyard in Chennai was a mountain of waste, but it’s now a symbol of urban renewal and sustainable waste management. Through a pioneering biomining process, more than 1.7 million cubic meters of garbage have been cleared from the 96-acre site, transforming it from a toxic landmark into a source of valuable materials. This project serves as a national blueprint for how Indian cities can tackle their growing waste crisis.
Innovation at the Core: The Biomining Revolution
The transformation was made possible by Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, which has implemented a “Made-in-India” biomining process that guarantees zero pollution and zero waste. The method involves excavating, treating, and segregating every bit of garbage, with nothing sent back to the ground.
Each day, 9,000 tonnes of waste are processed, undergoing 52 rigorous safety checks to ensure environmental integrity. The project’s success is not just about clearing waste but about giving it a second life.
• Steel is repurposed into hardware.
• Glass becomes new bottles.
• Stones are transformed into concrete slabs.
• Plastics are given a new life as durable outdoor furniture, ramps, and pallets that can be recycled multiple times.
A Blueprint for India’s Urban Future
The Perungudi project is just the beginning. Blue Planet has already successfully reclaimed over 700 acres of land and processed 1.4 crore tonnes of waste across nine states. They are now taking on an even bigger challenge: the Kodungaiyur landfill, which is three times the size of Perungudi. If successful, it would be one of India’s largest-ever landfill reclamation projects.
With Indian cities generating over 62 million tonnes of waste each year, this biomining model offers a scalable solution. The project not only reclaims land but also changes the public perception of waste, proving that with the right technology and determination, a city’s trash can truly be turned into a treasure