The global waste crisis, characterized by growing refuse volumes, overflowing landfills, and climate change contributions, is a pressing environmental and public health challenge. In India, this crisis is particularly acute, with millions of tonnes of waste generated annually, much of which is uncollected or improperly disposed of.
Bengaluru-based startup Neo San is pioneering the world’s first decentralized incinerator technology designed to tackle “reject waste” at its source. This innovation aims to transform waste management by offering a cleaner, more efficient, and localized method for materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle, reducing emissions, slashing transportation costs, and moving towards zero landfills and net-zero emissions.
The Global Waste Crisis: Why Decentralized Solutions are Imperative
The global waste crisis involves overflowing landfills, rampant open burning, and ecosystem contamination, primarily driven by “reject waste.” This category includes non-recyclable, non-compostable, or hazardous materials like biomedical waste, sanitary products, multi-layered packaging (MLP), and low-value plastics, which defy conventional recycling.
Traditional disposal methods like landfills and incineration have significant environmental and health risks. Landfills leak toxic leachate and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Open burning at low temperatures (400-500°C) releases harmful fumes, including dioxins, furans, and particulate matter, linked to respiratory illnesses and cancers.
India generates over 25 million tonnes of reject waste annually, with 30% often uncollected. Projections indicate annual waste generation will reach 165 million metric tons by 2030. Neo San’s decentralized incinerator technology offers a sustainable on-site waste processing solution.
Neo San’s Groundbreaking Innovation: On-Site Waste Treatment
Neo San, a Bengaluru clean-tech startup, has developed the world’s first truly decentralized incinerator for processing reject waste at its origin. Their products, including the Neo-X, Neo-XT, and Neo-AX models, bring advanced waste treatment directly to where waste is generated.
The technology burns waste at high temperatures, up to 1200°C in under two minutes, ensuring near-complete combustion. This advanced thermal treatment minimizes toxic byproducts and reduces waste volume to sterile ash, offering a clean disposal solution.
Dramatic Emission Reduction: A New Standard
Neo San’s technology reduces emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional incinerators. The Neo-X model cuts greenhouse gas emissions from waste by over 95% and achieves a 98% reduction against current pollution standards. High operating temperatures and controlled combustion minimize harmful pollutants like SOx and NOx.
“Our vision is to fundamentally reshape the waste landscape, turning ‘reject waste’ from a liability into a manageable byproduct handled right at the source.”
Minimizing Transportation & Carbon Footprint
Treating waste at its source drastically minimizes the need for extensive hauling, eliminating significant emissions associated with waste transport. This translates to substantial operational cost savings for municipalities and companies by reducing fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance, and labor costs.
Combating Landfill Overload
Dhwaj Bagrecha, Co-founder and CEO of Neo San, highlights that landfills devalue land and contaminate soil and water. Neo San’s decentralized incinerators process reject waste on-site, reducing its volume and alleviating pressure on landfills. This conserves land resources and prevents the generation of toxic leachate.
Data-Driven Waste Intelligence
Neo San’s incinerators collect data on waste type and quantity, emissions reduced, and energy consumed. This data intelligence aids in:
- Product Optimization: Refining technology and improving efficiency.
- Carbon Footprint Accounting: Enabling clients to report carbon offsets.
- Consumption Pattern Analysis: Providing insights into consumption habits for more sustainable practices.
Understanding “Reject Waste”
“Reject waste” comprises materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle or compost. This includes Multi-layered Packaging (MLP), Sanitary Products, Biomedical Waste, and Low-Value Plastics. Neo San’s decentralized incinerator offers a pragmatic solution for these “unmanageable” waste streams.
The Journey of Innovation: Neo San’s Genesis
Neo San was founded in 2018 by Dhwaj Bagrecha and Alistair D’rozario. D’rozario initially focused on treating menstrual waste, and Bagrecha joined, recognizing the broader potential for handling all non-recyclable waste.
After five years of self-funded R&D and extensive prototype testing, they developed the Neo-X. Collaborations with organizations like Ecogram led to recognition from larger entities. Neo San’s clients now include Bengaluru International Airport, TATA Steel, and Microsoft.
Paving the Path Forward
Neo San plans to launch “Atom,” a new incinerator model capable of processing up to 1 tonne of toxic waste per day, targeting industries like chemical, automobile, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Internationally, Neo San aims to expand into the Middle East, Africa, and Japan within the current financial year. Their vision is to contribute to a “zero landfill and net-zero emissions landscape” by fundamentally reshaping waste management through cutting-edge technology.
About the Author
