Delhi Bhalswa Landfill Cleanup: Where Is the Garbage Mountain Going?
Delhi is using biomining to dismantle the Bhalswa garbage mountain, with old waste being separated and sent for reuse, fuel and disposal.
Delhi’s Bhalswa landfill, which grew into a massive garbage mound over decades, is undergoing an extensive cleanup operation aimed at removing the accumulated waste by the end of 2026. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is using biomining to excavate, process and separate the old garbage rather than simply shifting it elsewhere.
According to the latest official update cited in the report, 99.07 lakh metric tonnes of legacy waste had been cleared by July 31, with the remaining mound targeted for removal by October 15. The broader deadline for completely clearing the site has been set for December 31, 2026.
During biomining, excavators dig into the landfill and machines separate the material into different categories. Around 65–75 per cent is inert residue, which is transported to low-lying areas in places such as Narela and Rohini for filling. Another 8–10 per cent consists of construction and demolition waste, including broken concrete and bricks. The remaining material is largely Refuse-Derived Fuel, which is sent to paper mills and cement factories as an alternative to coal.
The cleanup is also intended to address the environmental risks posed by the landfill. Decomposing waste produces methane, which can contribute to fires. A major Bhalswa fire in 2022 burned for nearly two weeks and was associated with significant increases in particulate pollution.
Despite the progress, the operation faces challenges from rain, extreme heat and the continued arrival of around 4,000 tonnes of fresh waste each day.
