Bengaluru hotels explore biogas to cut LPG reliance & waste costs

Bengaluru: Hotels and restaurants in the tech capital are increasingly exploring biogas as an alternative fuel, driven by rising LPG costs and growing expenses related to waste management.

The move comes amid concerns over higher wet waste disposal charges, currently capped at Rs 12 per kg under the empanelled vendor system introduced by Bangalore Solid Waste Management Ltd. Although rates are negotiable, bulk waste generators fear vendors may impose higher prices, significantly increasing costs. The hotel and restaurant sector, which contributes nearly 40% of the city's total waste, now sees an opportunity to convert this waste into energy for kitchen use.



Most hotels fall under the bulk waste generator category, producing over 100kg of waste daily. Previously, waste disposal was managed through lump-sum payments to vendors. However, the revised pricing structure has prompted businesses to look for more cost-effective and sustainable alternatives. "We are already paying a lot of taxes and commercial charges, and now paying Rs 12 per kg will be too much of a burden. We will not be able to manage our expenses," said PC Rao, honorary president, Bengaluru Hotels Association (BHA).

The association is considering setting up biogas plants to process food waste into fuel. It plans to establish decentralised plants across city corporations to reduce transportation challenges and is seeking land support from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA).

Responding to the proposal, GBA chief commissioner Maheshwar Rao said the authority is open to collaboration. "As of now, we have not received a formal proposal from BHA, though we had discussions a few months ago. Hoteliers are important stakeholders for us, and we are open to further discussions on such initiatives."



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