BENGALURU
Hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru are increasingly turning to biogas as an alternative fuel source, seeking to reduce dependence on LPG and manage rising waste disposal costs more efficiently. The shift comes amid concerns over higher wet waste charges under the empanelled vendor system introduced by Bangalore Solid Waste Management Ltd, where rates are capped at ₹12 per kg but remain negotiable.
Industry stakeholders fear that vendors may push prices higher, significantly increasing operational expenses for bulk waste generators. The hospitality sector, which contributes nearly 40% of the city’s total waste, sees biogas as a viable solution to convert food waste into usable energy for kitchens.
Most hotels generate over 100 kg of waste daily and fall under the bulk waste category. Earlier, waste disposal was handled through lump-sum payments, but the revised pricing structure has prompted a rethink among businesses.
Bengaluru Hotels Association (BHA) Honorary President P.C. Rao said the additional burden of waste disposal charges, combined with existing taxes and commercial expenses, is becoming unsustainable for the sector.
In response, the association is exploring plans to set up decentralised biogas plants across different parts of the city. These units would process organic waste locally, reducing transportation costs and generating fuel that can be reused within hotel kitchens.
The association has also sought land support from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to implement the initiative effectively. Officials believe decentralised plants could ease pressure on waste management systems while promoting sustainable practices.
GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao said the authority is open to collaborating with stakeholders, although no formal proposal has been submitted yet. He confirmed that preliminary discussions had taken place earlier and emphasised that hoteliers remain key partners in managing the city’s waste ecosystem.
Experts say the move toward biogas could not only reduce operational costs for hotels but also contribute to Bengaluru’s broader sustainability goals by minimising landfill waste and promoting circular energy use.