Plastic processing unit ready for commissioning.

A new facility capable of shredding, separating and cleaning heaps of plastic waste soiled with foreign material is all set for commissioning at Brahmapuram.

The government’s Clean Kerala Company (CKC), which is responsible for managing the project, will replicate the plastic processing model in other corporations and major municipalities, if the Brahmapuram facility proves to be a success. Such plastic processing units will also come up at three or four locations in Ernakulam district soon.

'It will have the capacity to wash, grind and dry about five tonnes of plastic waste daily. The cost of the unit at Brahmapuram is nearly Rs.20 lakh. It will be operated in a public-private-partnership model,' said Kabeer B. Haroon, the managing director of CKC.

Estimates by the CKC under the Department of Urban Affairs showed that about 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste were lying at Brahmapuram. 'The key here is to generate high-quality plastic waste for the recycling industry. Value-added plastic for recycling could easily generate rates varying from Rs. 2 to Rs. 60 a kilo based on its quality,' said Mr. Haroon.

The company has also recommended involving Kudumbasree workers in the collection of plastic and other dry waste in Ernakulam.

The self-help groups could set up kiosks in select locations to store recyclable waste before transporting it for processing.


THE HINDU