Collection and Segregation of Waste Plastic
“Waste plastic has emerged as a significant global challenge. This issue necessitates action through the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP). Collection and Segregation of Waste Plastic are vital components of this initiative. The PWCP addresses these crucial aspects through the following key strategies:”
I. Economic Incentives for Waste Plastic Collection
“We introduce specific pricing mechanisms. These encourage the proper disposal and collection of waste plastic. A minimum financial incentive of Rs 10 per kilogram is set for waste plastic, encouraging recycling.”
II. People-Centric Awareness
“We implement comprehensive awareness campaigns aimed at the general public. These campaigns focus on educating and empowering individuals. They encourage everyone to take responsibility for waste plastic management. For example, every individual is urged to designate a specific pocket or compartment for managing plastic waste.”
III. Revamping Collection Systems
“The PWCP also involves rethinking and reforming existing plastic collection methods. This includes systems led by Municipal Corporations and NGOs. The goal is to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness in plastic waste management.”
Key Points – Plastic Waste Control and Management
“Here are the key points of the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP):”
i. The Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP) aims to address the significant issue of plastic waste globally.
ii. Current efforts to ban plastics and segregate waste have not been fully effective. This has led to massive garbage accumulation.
iii. PWCP suggests pricing plastic at Rs. 10 per kg. This creates employment opportunities for the poor and rag pickers.
iv. Most packaging plastic below 150 microns lacks value. This contributes to the pollution of air, water, and land.
v. PWCP emphasizes fostering community-centered awareness. This helps to manage waste plastics effectively.
vi. Every citizen is encouraged to keep a designated pocket or compartment for waste plastic. They can then dispose of it in proper dustbins.
vii. Municipal Corporations and NGOs will collect plastic only after a price has been assigned. This approach streamlines waste management and helps solve the segregation problem.
viii. This model financially benefits Municipal Corporation employees and NGO volunteers. It motivates them to participate actively in plastic waste management.
ix. The financial value of plastic encourages scrap collectors to gather even small amounts for recycling.
x. PWCP aims to incentive proper waste disposal. This makes it an essential step in controlling plastic waste and addressing segregation issues.
Pricing Waste Plastic Economically
“Today, nations are exploring various approaches to tackle plastic waste. These include implementing plastic bans or segregating waste by type. However, these efforts have not effectively controlled plastic waste or achieved proper segregation. Consequently, massive heaps of garbage have emerged, which is an alarming reality. According to the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP), offering a price of Rs. 10 per kg for plastic can lead to significant benefits. This approach could create employment opportunities for impoverished individuals and rag pickers. The value of these opportunities is estimated to be worth more than Rs 5000 Crores annually.”
“Presently, waste plastic does hold some value. This is especially true for plastic above 100 microns, which is recyclable. However, the majority of plastic used in packaging, specifically below 100 microns, lacks substantial value. Unfortunately, this type of plastic often contributes to pollution, degrading air, water, and land resources.”
Promoting Community-Centered Awareness for Waste Plastics
“Plastic has become an indispensable part of our lives. While eliminating it entirely may not be feasible, we can make a difference through public awareness. Creating awareness is crucial in our efforts to control plastic waste. This waste is generated from households, apartments, colonies, villages, and cities. The Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP) emphasizes the role of every citizen.”
“We encourage men to carry a designated pocket in their pants. Similarly, we encourage 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 also make arrangements for plastic waste collection. This facilitates disposal in designated plastic bins.”
“To further incentivize proper waste disposal, individuals can collect a substantial amount of plastic. They can then sell it to Bharat Swachhta Kendra for Rs. 10 per kg. By embracing this community-centered approach to plastic waste management, we can collectively contribute to a cleaner environment and a sustainable future.”
Revamping Municipal Corporation and NGO’s Plastic Collection Methods
“Under the Plastic Waste Control Project (PWCP), we envision significant changes in the current plastic collection methods. These changes affect Municipal Corporations and NGOs. The process now involves these entities receiving plastic only after a price has been assigned. This price of Rs. 10 per kilogram incentivizes collection. Subsequently, dedicated transportation arrangements will be made to collect the plastic waste efficiently. This approach will streamline the management of plastic and help resolve the challenge of segregation.”
“The introduction of a price for waste plastic also brings financial benefits for employees and volunteers. This financial incentive serves as strong motivation. They will then 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. They will take an interest in collecting even small amounts of plastic. This collective effort is a vital step in effectively controlling plastic waste and mitigating the problem of segregation. By aligning economic incentives with plastic waste management, the PWCP aims to create a sustainable solution for a cleaner and greener future.”