The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is set to launch its first dedicated textile waste processing unit to tackle the city's growing textile waste problem. This innovative facility, a pioneering initiative, will process 100 to 125 tonnes of textile waste generated daily in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Currently, Pune generates around 1,200 to 1,300 tonnes of dry waste and 900 to 1,000 tonnes of wet waste each day. While PMC has established biogas plants and dry waste processing facilities, textile waste—accounting for about 10% of the total dry waste—poses a unique challenge. Items such as mattresses, cushions, clothing, furniture materials, and leather products require specialized processing due to their distinct properties.

Sandip Kadam, head of PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department, highlighted the disruption caused by textile waste in regular processing systems. “This waste cannot be compressed or processed with standard dry waste methods, as it clogs feeder conveyors and halts operations,” he explained.

The new unit aims to address these challenges by offering an eco-friendly solution that ensures proper processing of textile waste without harming the environment. “Most people overlook the environmental impact of textile waste. This facility will change that,” Kadam added.

PMC is in the final stages of selecting a location for the plant, with approval pending from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB). The project, estimated to cost ₹3 to ₹4 crore, is expected to go to tender later this month.

This initiative is part of PMC’s larger efforts to enhance waste management as Pune’s population grows and waste volumes increase. The textile waste processing unit is a significant step toward creating a sustainable solution for the city’s escalating waste burden.