Earth Soul to make composters that convert waste into fuel

New Delhi - The problem with plastic is that it is non-biodegradable and its disposal is a major ecological hazard. Recycling provides a partial solution. Earth Soul India, a company  specialising in bio-plastics, is planning to manufacture composter machines that can convert waste into energy.

"Composters are an economically viable solution for the problem of plastic disposal as the machines can convert the waste into usable diesel, gas and other byproducts," Perses Billimoria,  founder and chief executive of Earth Soul India, told IANS here.

Another variant of the composter can also be used to convert daily organic items like vegetable peels, unused food items and agricultural waste into compost matter. The compost then can  be used as fertiliser which reduces the carbon footprint as well as saves the soil from harmful chemical additives.

"In the initial stage, we plan to start an assembly unit by importing critical parts of the machine and then fabricating the rest. We may go into full-fledged production by the end of next year,"  Billimoria said.

The company, which manufactures bio-degradable plastic bags, said it is scouting for a location for the composter plant that would come up at an initial cost of around Rs.10 crore.

Billimoria said townships can be one of the main beneficiaries of using composters to convert waste into usable material.

"Big cities like New Delhi and Mumbai generate nearly 8,000 tonnes of solid waste per day. This massive environmental issue can be solved by community-focused initiatives, where  composters are used to convert local waste into composte or fuel," said Billimoria.

"We are in touch with major companies which have townships like Tata Chemicals, ACC cement and even education institute Bits Pilani. Even industries like fertiliser can benefit out of this." Billimoria is also planning to import machines that convert kitchen waste into water.

"The machine will convert the organic kitchen waste into water. But the water is not going to be potable, it can only be used for other purposes like cleaning," he said.