Development of the Association

Environmental Protection Act 1986 sets the onus of identifying the sites for Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Storage and Disposal Facility (CHWTSDF) to the State Governments. In line with directive from the Honourable Supreme Court, the Government of Tamilnadu, through TNPCB, formed a core group of representatives from the industries in Tamilnadu to coordinate the establishment of CHWTSDF in 1999. At the instance of TNPCB, an Association, named Industrial Waste Management Association (IWMA) was registered in 2002 with strength of 35 members.

From 2002 to 2007, the Association was coordinating the Assessment and Clearance of various sites along with the Government of Tamilnadu. During this period, IWMA was functioning from the premises of Orchid Chemicals in Cathedral Road. An Executive Committee of 9 members met on a monthly basis to build the framework of the Association. IWMA engaged Ramky group, as its service provider to establish and operate its first landfill facility in Tamilnadu.

With the establishment of CHWTSDF in Gummidipoondi Export Promotion zone in ~27 acres and increase in membership to more than 100, the Association felt the need for an organized office. With prime focus on establishing and operating a secure landfill facility, a highly experienced scientist with industrial field experience was inducted as Executive Secretary along with an office assistant. The Registered Office was shifted to a rented premise in Ashoknagar.

In the next 5 years, the Association registered a tremendous growth in membership to nearly 1100 at present. Besides periodic audits of the landfill site, IWMA conducted workshops and seminars on Hazardous waste management for its members. A tie-up has been established with CLRI, a CSIR establishment, for resolution of environmental problems of the member industries on a free consultation basis. As part of its social responsibility, the Association promoted awareness and research programmes for school children in association with Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) and IIT (M). To cater to its growing needs, the Executive Committee was expanded to have 9 ordinary members with representation from Large, Medium and Small & Tiny sectors in addition to 4 Office bearers. The Office staff is enlarged to include a Technical executive, a driver and an attendant. IWMA will also be engaging a legal counsel shortly.

Under close monitoring of the Association, the landfill facility in Gummidipoondi is amongst the best maintained hazardous waste disposal sites in the country. IWMA is in negotiation with the Government of Tamilnadu in the lease contract of 39 acres of land allotted I Gummidipoondi and 50 acres in Perundurai for establishment of additional CHWTSDF in the State.

Registered Office

Industrial Waste Management Association
13/4, First Street, Indira Colony
First Avenue, Ashoknagar
Chennai – 600083
Phone: 91-44-24748069

Secretariat