Vizag startup embarks on mission to turn floral waste into incense

Visakhapatnam: While civic bodies in the city are focussed on effective management of waste by source segregation, the management of

floral waste

remains largely ignored.

A huge amount of floral waste is generated in the city. The sources of this waste consist primarily of temples, rythu bazaars and flower shops. Floral waste which can be turned into manure often ends up in landfills mixed with other waste.

Environmentalists say that floral waste is thrown directly into water bodies. As a result, harmful pesticides and insecticides used to grow these flowers make way into water bodies disturbing the fragile ecosystem.

Speaking to TOI, a GVMC official said, “Floral waste is generated in every ward, depending upon the location of temples. Usually more than 1,000kgs of floral waste is generated per month. During festivals, it goes up to more than 2,000kgs.”

Taking stock of the problem, a city-based startup called Green Waves Environmental Solutions has decided to take up an initiative to

recycle

floral waste. Anil Chowdary, the managing director of the NGO said, “We have started collecting floral waste from near areas where religious celebrations are done. Upon collecting them, we use the flowers to make incense sticks, flower manure and soap.”

Anil further said that religious institutions have been supporting their initiative considering it takes away their landfill burden. “We mostly receive marigolds, roses, hibiscuses and chrysanthemums,” Anil informed while adding that they also receive a lot of tulsi and betel leaves.

KSLG Sastry, CMOH of GVMC said, “As of now, the floral waste generated in the city is processed along with wet waste. However, from this year on, we will be concentrating on proper collection, segregation and transportation of different kinds of waste.”

“We are planning to set up a special unit to recycle floral waste in wards where flower waste generation is high. The waste will be converted into manure,” he added.