The city Corporation has begun the daily collection of plastic waste through collection points.
The public can hand over plastic waste from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the collection points set up near aerobic bin units and at the material recovery facilities of the local body.
In the initial phase, the collection points have been opened at the Jagathy grounds; near Vijayamohini mill at Thirumala; Killippalam bypass road; near Chithira Thirunal Park at Fort; near Corporation rest house at Ulloor; near Chakka Bypass Junction; behind Corporation’s old-age home at Kalladimukham; Ambalamukku -Sree Krishnaswamy temple road; Punnapuram; near Palayam market; near Peroorkada market; and the Kuravankonam-Nanthancode road.
Only cleaned and dry plastic bags, packets and other plastic materials will be accepted at the counters.
Shredding unit
The cleaned plastic collected at the collection points will be taken to the Corporation’s new plastic shredding unit at Muttathara. Another shredding unit is getting ready at Peroorkada.
The shredded plastic will be handed over to the Clean Kerala company. The Corporation has employed two persons each for the purpose of collecting plastic waste and the upkeep of the aerobic bins.
The periodic collection of various waste items will continue through these counters. On September 22, 23, and 24, coconut husks, shells, and firewood will be collected. Till now, the only chance for city residents to hand over plastic waste is through the periodic collection drives organised by the Corporation. In a few wards, Kudumbasree workers are still collecting plastic waste on a weekly basis.
The Corporation had last year banned the use of plastic carry bags and pushed for alternatives such as paper bags. Still, the mounting plastic waste has continued to be a problem for it.
The local body is also planning to expand aerobic bins to more wards.