In India, Western Paques have tested the anaerobic
digestion process to produce methane gas. The results of
the pilot plant show that 150 t/day of MSW produce
14,000 m3 of biogas with a methane content of 55–65%,
which can generate 1.2 MW of power. The government is
looking forward to biomethanation technology as a secondary
source of energy by utilizing industrial, agricultural
and municipal wastes. A great deal of experience with biomethanation
systems exists in Delhi, Bangalore, Lucknow
and many other cities. There is little experience in the treatment
of solid organic waste, except with sewage sludge and
animal manure (e.g., cow dung). Several schemes for biomethanation
of MSW, vegetable market and yard wastes,
are currently being planned for some cities (Ambulkar
and Shekdar, 2004; Chakrabarty et al., 1995).
The study reveals that in all situations (rural, urban or
city, etc.) where space is available, composting is the better
option because it prevents the load on municipalities for
collection and transport of MSW and then reduces the
pressure on the landfills. It also provides a valuable
byproduct for agriculture.