‘Quality of plastic bottles falls after third recycling’

LUCKNOW : Shedding light on the side effects of repeated recycling of plastic drinking water bottles, experts at the ISHWMCON -2018 said that quality of plastic deteriorated after it was recycled for a third time.

“So, recycling plastic is not the answer for saving the environment,” said Alexander Von Hildebrand, World Health Organisation, South-East Asia Regional Office, while addressing the two-day 18th annual conference of the Indian Society of Hospital Waste Management, which started at the King George’s Medical University on Saturday.

“In fact, avoiding the use of plastic is the right way forward if you care for the environment,” said Von Hildebrand.

Prof Mohd Parvez, co-organising secretary of the conference, said, “Studies show when a bottle is made of recycled plastic, its quality is poor and the side effects increase. One side effect can be traces of plastic getting mixed with water.”

He said a better option was to store water in proper containers and glass bottles. “This way, we can ensure that people will get clean drinking water,” said Prof Parvez, who also spoke on hospital waste management and plans being drafted to do so in an environment-friendly manner.

Dr D Himanshu stressed on the importance of segregating waste. “Often, there are harmful objects such as needles in the garbage pile. Such sharp objects need separate management,” he said. Dr Kirti Srivastava said that with proper recycling, waste did not just provide materials that could be put to use, but also helped organisations generate funds.

Prof Anupam Wakhlu, organising secretary of the event, said that hospital waste management was a burning issue in the country. “Such events pave way for better waste management, which ensures safety of both patients and the medical staff,” he said.