Case Study: ECEPL’s Waste Management Solution for Hotels (Client: Five Star Island Resort in Maldives)

Case Study: “Transforming Waste Management in the Maldives: The Role of Composter Accelerators in Tackling Tourism-Induced Waste Challenges and Saving Time through Independent Waste Management”

Location: Maldives Islands

Objective: To comply with Waste Management and Environmental laws, dispose of 500kgs of food waste onsite instead of sending it to a landfill. The objective was to tackle tourism-induced waste and save time by eliminating external services in waste collection.

Background:

After a thorough market research Earth Care Equipments India partnered with a Maldivian company Hydroglobal Pvt. Ltd. to provide waste management services to various resorts in Maldives. The goal was to process food waste efficiently and independently and to give environmentally friendly solutions. Hydroglobal assessed all solutions provided by Earth Care and selected the best solution for the end customer.

Solution: Kwik Composter Accelerator - Implement a heater-based Organic Waste Composter Accelerator Machine for composting 500kg of Food waste Daily to tackle tourism-induced waste.

Specifications:

• Maximum Intake/ day: 500 kg

• Dimensions: 2920(L) 2425(W) 1855(H)

• Technology: Fully Automatic Multi-Stage indirect dry decomposition process regulated by energy-efficient sensor-based ceramic heaters

• Waste Removal: Automatic

• Material: Stainless Steel

• Output: Odourless Blackish Powered Biomass (soil additive), Time Saved in Independent Waste Management

KCA500 complies with all the following Environmental laws:

• Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Law no. 4/93):

• Waste Management Regulation (2013)

• Regulation on the Protection and Conservation of the Environment in the Tourism Industry (2006)

• Climate Resilience and Waste Management Policy

• National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)

• Waste Management Act [Law No.24/2022]

And Import laws:

• Import Regulations and Standards

• Customs Regulation

Implementation:

Phase 1: Assessment and Planning

• Detailed Discussions: Hydroglobal and Earth Care conducted extensive discussions with the Earth Care team regarding:

  • The type of food waste generated in hotels

  • Availability of supplies needed to operate the machine.

  • Suitable location for the placement of the machine.

  • The path for transporting food waste from the hotel to the machine.

  • The number of operators required and their safety.

  • Required manuals and documentation.

• Waste Audit: Assessed the quantity and type of food waste.

• Site Selection: Finalized an accessible and convenient location for the KCA.

• Regulatory Compliance: Secured permits and ensured compliance with local regulations.

Phase 2: Installation and Training

• Manufacturing and Logistics: Earth Care manufactured the machine and managed all logistics related to delivery. The machine was delivered to the doorstep.

• Installation: The distributor installed the machine at the selected site.

• Safety Inspections: Multiple inspections were conducted by the ALiLa group safety inspectors to approve the installation and startup of the machine.

• Support: A competent team from India was available online 24x7 to address all queries during installation. Installation was facilitated by a detailed manual and the plug-and-play feature of Earth Care's KCA

• Training: Conducted workshops for maintenance staff and residents, covering KCA operations, safety protocols, and troubleshooting.

Phase 3: Operation and Monitoring

• Initial Run: Supervised initial operation, and advised to test Biomass quality.

• Regular Monitoring: Handed over the machine for operation to the Distributor.

Challenges and Solutions

• Initial Resistance: Overcame with awareness campaigns.

• Maintenance Issues: Implemented a regular maintenance schedule and advanced training.

• Odour Management: Used biofilters and regular cleaning.

• Safety Concerns: Conducted safety inspections, and provided detailed safety manuals, and online support.

Disadvantages of Bulk Production: Though the output can be used as organic fertilizer, it is not recommended to produce it in large quantities as it would lead to the production of abiogenic gases which are harmful to the environment.

Results:
Quantitative Outcomes:

• Waste reduction: Successfully Diverted 500 kg of food waste daily from landfills

• Cost Savings: Reduced Waste disposal costs

• Saving approx. 40% on running costs

• In compliance with all major import and environmental laws

Qualitative Outcomes:

• Efficient and sustainable waste disposal

• Reduction in use of landfills, ocean dumping, and open burning

• Reduced air, water, and soil pollution

• Onsite disposal of waste- mitigating vermin, odour, and visual contamination ensuring a safer environment for guests and staff.

Conclusion:

The Kwik Composter Accelerator (KCA500) successfully managed 500 kg of food waste daily, by producing lighter, moistureless, powdered biomass that can be used as organic fertilizer. This reduces the load of tourism-induced waste on the hotel and pollution in the nearby islands while also eliminating external collection services.