IIT Bombay Transforms Garden Waste into Cooking Fuel for 1,200 Students

IIT Bombay has launched a notable initiative that transforms fallen leaves and garden waste into cooking fuel, significantly reducing the campus's reliance on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This innovative project not only addresses the issue of waste disposal but also provides a sustainable energy source for approximately 1,200 students living in hostels. According to official records reviewed by DotMR, the initiative has led to a remarkable 60% reduction in LPG consumption in one of the hostel kitchens, showcasing the potential of utilizing organic waste effectively.

The initiative, spearheaded by professors Sandeep Kumar and Sanjay Mahajani, began with a pressing need to manage the two tonnes of garden waste generated daily at IIT Bombay. Previously, the disposal of this waste cost the institute around ₹50 lakh annually. The project, titled 'Gasifier-based cook-stoves to manage garden waste', was conceived as a dual solution to both waste management and energy production.

In 2014, Professor Mahajani first explored biomass gasification as a means to tackle the campus waste problem. However, the journey was fraught with challenges. Initial trials revealed significant operational difficulties, particularly with clinker formation, where ash and other by-products fused into hard deposits that clogged conventional gasification systems. Despite these setbacks, the team persevered, leading to a breakthrough in 2016 when they developed a patented gasifier that drastically reduced clinker formation.

The process of converting garden waste into cooking fuel is both innovative and efficient. It begins with the collection of organic materials such as fallen leaves and twigs. These materials are then processed and compressed into biomass pellets, which serve as an alternative fuel source. The pellets boast a calorific value of 16–18 MJ/Nm³, making them a viable substitute for LPG and other fossil fuels.

The cooking process involves more than just burning the pellets. An in-house-developed downdraft gasifier converts the biomass into producer gas, which contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. This gas is then supplied to a premix burner, generating the thermal energy required for cooking. The entire setup was installed in the staff canteen and began operations on February 26, 2025.

The environmental benefits of this initiative are significant. By converting garden waste into cooking fuel, IIT Bombay not only reduces its waste disposal costs but also contributes to a more sustainable campus environment. The systematic study conducted post-implementation revealed a daily reduction of 10 kg in LPG consumption, translating to substantial cost savings and a lower carbon footprint.

According to ministerial filings,, the project received funding from the Tata Centre for Technology and Design (TCTD), which underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing sustainable technologies. The successful implementation of this initiative could serve as a model for other institutions grappling with similar waste management and energy challenges.

Looking ahead, the potential for scaling this initiative is promising. With the successful operation of the gasifier in the staff canteen, there are plans to expand its use across other hostel kitchens and facilities on campus. This could further enhance the reduction of LPG consumption and promote a culture of sustainability among students and staff alike.

The technology developed by IIT Bombay could also inspire similar projects in other educational institutions and communities, fostering a broader movement towards sustainable waste management practices. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, initiatives like this highlight the importance of innovation in creating sustainable solutions.

IIT Bombay's initiative to convert garden waste into cooking fuel exemplifies how educational institutions can lead the way in sustainability efforts. By addressing both waste management and energy production, the project not only benefits the campus community but also sets a precedent for other organizations to follow. As the institute continues to refine and expand this initiative, it stands as an official marker of the power of innovation in tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.