VNN sets up plastic waste collection and processing unit
VARANASI : The Varanasi Nagar Nigam (VNN) has set up a plastic waste processing and segregation centre in Sarnath and a plastic waste collection centre in the city for proper disposal of plastic waste generated in the district daily, to free Varanasi from the plastic waste.
The plastic waste collection centre has been set up near the Bhavania Pokhari area in the city, and the waste processing unit has been set up in Ashapur. One more dry plastic waste collection centre is being built in the city, said Varanasi municipal commissioner, Gaurang Rathi.
As many as 150 plastic waste pickers (PWP) have been roped-in for collecting the plastic waste from different locations and bringing the same to the centre. Depending upon the waste plastic quality Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg is being given to the
PWPs.
Under the initiative of Varanasi municipal commissioner, Gaurang Rathi, with the support of UNDP, the collection centre and processing unit have been set up on a private-public partnership model.
Rathi said, “This is an effort to free Varanasi from plastic waste. Anyone may come and drop the plastic waste at the centre.”
Surjit Singh, an analyst at the ministry of urban development and housing affairs, coordinating the plastic waste management and disposal project under the guidance of municipal commissioner, explains that collectors bring the waste to the collection centre from where it is transported to the processing centre in Ashapur. Recyclable and non-recyclable waste is segregated, thereafter, the recyclable plastic is sent to small industrial units. Around 10 such units have been linked to the programme.
Singh said that the ragmen or plastic waste pickers have also been issued a card by VNN. he further said in future the plastic waste management would also help generate revenue for the municipal body.