The Deccan Chronicle 15.11.2010
Shopkeepers get lessons in waste managementNov. 14: Unscientific methods of waste disposal in shopping areas and traditional markets have been causing concern. In an attempt to correct this, BBMP in association with the members of Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), joined hands with shoppers at Russell Market and Shivajinagar to launch a campaign on the importance of waste segregation.
Tons of garbage is disposed of at these markets without segregation and it’s an uphill task for the BBMP workers to segregate dry waste from wet waste after it’s dumped as the quantity is huge. As part of their campaign, members of SWMRT installed LCD displays carrying tips on waste segregation at strategic spots in Shivajinagar and Russell Market. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, a SWMRT member, Vani Murthy, explained: “We had a great time talking and educating shopkeepers on segregating their waste. They will be given bags to store all their dry waste, which will then get collected and recycled.”
Another member of SWMRT, N.S. Ramakanth, felt that segregation of waste should not be restricted to houses and apartments. “Russell market is an amazing place as 90%of the people we talked to are willing to do their bit by segregating dry from wet waste. The dumpyard at the back is stinking and slip pery. If garbage separation takes place, maintaining hygiene in markets would be much easier.”
Stickers were given to shopkeepers with inscriptions of dry and wet waste and each shopkeeper was told to have two dustbins —one for dry and the other for wet waste. The advantage of this process is that the dry waste can be recycled later and used, while the wet waste comes in handy as manure for plants as well as in the production of gas.
