Collection and Segregation of Waste Plastic
Waste plastic has emerged as a significant global challenge, necessitating the modification with the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP). Collection and Segregation of Waste Plastic are vital components of this initiative. The PWCP addresses these aspects through the following sections:
I. Economic Incentives for Waste Plastic Collection: Introducing pricing mechanisms to encourage the proper disposal and collection of waste plastic.
II. People-Centric Awareness: Implementing awareness campaigns aimed at the general public, focusing on educating and empowering individuals to take responsibility for waste plastic management.
III. Revamping Collection Systems: Rethinking and reforming the existing Municipal corporation and NGO-led plastic collection methods to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Key Points – Plastic Waste Control and Management
1. The Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP) aims to address the escalating issue of plastic waste globally.
2. Current efforts, such as banning plastics and waste segregation, have not effectively controlled plastic waste, leading to massive garbage accumulation.
3. PWCP suggests pricing average plastic at Rs. 10 per kg, creating employment opportunities for the poor and rag pickers, worth more than Rs. 5000 Crores annually.
4. While some plastic above 100 microns holds recycling value, most packaging plastic below 100 microns lacks value, contributing to pollution of air, water, and land.
5. PWCP emphasizes fostering community-centered awareness to manage waste plastics effectively.
6. Every citizen is encouraged to keep a designated pocket or compartment for waste plastic and dispose of it in proper dustbins.
7. Municipal Corporations and NGOs will collect plastic only after it has been assigned a price, streamlining the management and solving the segregation problem.
8. This approach financially benefits Municipal Corporation employees and NGO volunteers, motivating them to participate actively in plastic waste management.
9. The economization of plastic pricing encourages scrap collectors to take even small amounts of plastic for recycling.
10. PWCP aims to incentivize proper waste disposal, making it an essential step in controlling plastic waste and addressing segregation issues.
I] Pricing Waste Plastic Economically
Today, nations across the globe are exploring various approaches to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste, such as implementing plastic bans or segregating waste based on its type. However, these efforts have not effectively controlled plastic waste or achieved proper segregation. Consequently, immense heaps of garbage have emerged, becoming an alarming reality. According to the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP), offering a price of Rs. 10 per kg for average plastic could lead to significant benefits, providing annual employment opportunities worth more than Rs. 5000 Crores for impoverished individuals and rag pickers in the country.
Presently, waste plastic does hold some value, particularly plastic above 100 microns, which is recyclable. However, the majority of plastic used in packaging, specifically below 100 microns, lacks any substantial value. Unfortunately, this type of plastic often transforms into pollution, contributing to the degradation of air, water, and land resources.
II] Promoting Community-Centered Awareness for Waste Plastics
Plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives, and while it may not be feasible to eliminate it entirely, we can make a difference through public awareness. Creating awareness among people is crucial in our efforts to control plastic waste generated from households, apartments, colonies, villages, and cities. The Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP) emphasizes the role of every citizen, encouraging men to carry a designated pocket in their pants, and ladies to have a dedicated compartment in their purses for holding waste plastic items. This includes plastic food packaging, carry bags, and similar materials. Once used, the plastic waste should be responsibly placed in proper dustbins. Homes, apartments, and colonies should make arrangements for plastic waste collection, facilitating its disposal in designated plastic bins.
To further incentivize proper waste disposal, individuals can collect a substantial amount of plastic and sell it to Bharat Swachhta Kendra for Rs. 10 per kg. By embracing this folk-centered approach to plastic waste management, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner environment and a sustainable future.
III] Revamping Municipal Corporation and NGO’s Plastic Collection Methods
Under the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP), significant changes are envisioned in the current practices of Municipal Corporations and NGOs regarding plastic collection. The process will now involve these entities receiving plastic only after it has been assigned a price. Subsequently, dedicated transportation arrangements will be made to collect the plastic waste efficiently. This approach will streamline the management of assembled plastic for Municipal Corporations, resolving the challenge of segregation.
The introduction of a price for waste plastic will also lead to financial benefits for the employees and volunteers associated with Municipal Corporations and NGOs. This financial incentive will serve as motivation for them to actively participate in plastic waste management. As a result, people will be encouraged to bring their plastic waste to the designated Plastic Appointed Place (BSK) for recycling.
Moreover, the economization of plastic waste pricing will encourage even scrap collectors to take an interest in collecting even small amounts of plastic. This collective effort will prove to be a vital step in effectively controlling plastic waste and mitigating the problem of segregation. By aligning economic incentives with plastic waste management, PWCP aims to create a sustainable solution for a cleaner and greener future.