Kerala's largest RDF plant launched in Walayar to turn inorganic waste into fuel

 Palakkad: Inorganic waste materials that harm the soil and ecosystem can now be converted into efficient fuel. The ‘Ready Use Fuel’ (RDF) waste treatment plant, which can process inorganic waste, including plastics, into fuel, has been launched at Kongambara in Walayar. It is the largest such plant in the state and the first in Palakkad district. The treated waste is then converted into combustible fuel.

Ready Use Fuel is formed by treating inorganic waste materials. This is a joint venture of the Clean Kerala Company, owned by the state government, and a private entity known as ‘Nothing Is Waste’. The plant can treat inorganic waste and turn it into fuel within minutes. 

Besides, it also has the capacity to treat more than 100 tonnes of waste in a day, producing the same amount of RDF. Many industries, including cement production units, use expensive coals as fuel. So, RDF could replace coal as a cheaper and more efficient fuel. The plant at Kongambara is the second such unit owned by Clean Kerala. The first one was opened in Kochi. 

The plant functions without causing any harm to the environment. Modern machinery is used at the plant for procuring, separating, treating and turning the waste into fuel. All kinds of inorganic waste except metal and glass could be treated at this plant. 

Currently, the waste collected by the Clean Kerala company from various parts of the district is treated here. Meanwhile, the officials of the company stated that they have plans to expand the unit to increase the amount of waste that is treated here as well as the fuel output. The plant was inaugurated by district panchayat president K Binumol. The event was presided over by Puthussery panchayat president N Praseeda.