The Hindu         26.09.2014    

New initiative to segregate non-biodegradable waste

The Tiruchirappali Corporation has introduced a new initiative to segregate and collect the non-biodegradable waste at source and send it for recycling.

Though it plans to extend the initiative to all 65 wards in the city, it will be implemented in four wards such as ward 4 in Srirangam zone, ward 24 in Ariyamangalam zone, ward 44 in Golden Rock zone, and ward 45 in G.Abishegapuram zone on a pilot basis.

As per the plan, high quality two plastic bags would be supplied to all houses in select areas at a cost of Rs.5. Entry cards would also be given. Residents have to keep non-bio degradable waste such as used plastic bottles, glasses, plastic items and others outside or inside their houses. Designated Self-Help Group (SHG) members would collect them regularly.

Launching the initiative in Srirangam on Thursday, V.P.Thandapani, Commissioner, Tiruchirappalli City Corporation, told The Hindu that it was estimated that 400 tonnes of waste was being generated every day in the city.

Of this, non-biodegradable waste would be around 100 tonnes. The entire non-biodegradable waste would be collected at the source itself. The idea was to involve residents to segregate them in their houses instead of dumping them along with degradable waste in dust bins. The task of collection of plastic waste had been given to the SHG members. They would collect the bags in residences or apartments. At the time of collection, they would make an entry in the cards.

The collected items would be transported to nearby multi-purpose service centre. Steps were taken to sell them at competitive prices with traders for recycling purpose.

The corporation would provide all necessary equipment to SHG members for collection of plastic waste and transportation.

The amount earned by selling of non bio-degradable waste would be shared between SHGs and residents at the ratio of 80:20. As many as 1,200 SHG women would be involved in the exercise. The corporation would take all possible efforts to make the effort a success.

To a question, Mr.Thandapani said the process of clearing degradable waste would continue as usual. The people could continue to dump degradable waste in the nearby dustbins.