New Delhi, June 20, 2025: In a landmark step toward sustainable waste management, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), in partnership with Chintan Environmental Research, inaugurated a solar-powered Micro Material Recovery Facility (Micro MRF) and an E-Waste Collection Center near OMA Shop in Khan Market.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to decentralize waste processing and promote the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—while integrating informal waste workers into formal systems. The facility is designed to handle a variety of waste streams including paper, plastics, e-waste, clothing, footwear, books, and domestic hazardous items like expired medicines and cosmetics.
Equipped with a 1 kW solar power system, the Micro MRF operates independently of the grid, running its lighting, ventilation, and weighing equipment on clean energy. The center also features a compactor to reduce plastic waste volume before it is transported to authorized recyclers, helping to cut down on landfill use.
Speaking at the inauguration, NDMC Chairperson Keshav Chandra emphasized the project’s dual goal of protecting the environment and improving the dignity and livelihoods of waste workers. He encouraged local residents and shopkeepers to actively contribute to the initiative by responsibly disposing of their waste and utilizing the center’s services.
Bharati Chaturvedi, founder of Chintan, highlighted the importance of creating resilient urban infrastructure that supports circular economies. “This initiative shows how cities can reimagine waste management by integrating marginalized workers and promoting responsible consumption,” she noted.
As part of NDMC’s larger plan, this is the first of eight such decentralized Micro MRFs to be established across New Delhi. The centers are expected to ease the pressure on the city’s landfills, support compliance with India’s Solid Waste Management Rules, and build community awareness around sustainability.
