The next time you are about to throw a used plastic bottle or disposable aluminium tins in the open or into a gutter, think twice. If you drop them into a ‘smart dustbin’, you can get coupons that can be exchanged for things at select supermarkets.
Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami launched the ‘reverse vending machine’ promoted by Golden Star Innovations at his Greenways Road residence in Chennai on Thursday. Based on the quantity of the plastic waste and aluminium tins dropped into this ‘smart dustbin’, coupons would be generated.
Offer details on coupons
“We are now working on the details. The idea is that coupons would have details where they could be exchanged for offers,” Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board Member Secretary D. Sekar said.
The machine is also in line with the objective of Extended Producers’ Responsibilities. “The Chief Minister has advised to sponsor these units in places with more footfall such as malls and transport terminals. This would promote a responsible way of disposing plastic waste,” he added.
You could soon find these units in commercial complexes, bus terminals, railway stations and cinema halls. Each unit costing between ₹2.5 to ₹5 lakh, could store upto 2,500 plastic bottles. Golden Star Innovations Private Limited’s Directors Hephzibah Nevis Prabakaran Hannah and Amalan Prabakaran Samraj and former AIADMK MLA J.C.D. Prabhakar were present.