Poor response for e-waste campaign in Kerala

Kochi: The city corporation which could collect nearly six tonnes of electronic waste during the first phase of its e-waste disposal campaign has failed in sustaining the momentum. During the second phase, launched on Tuesday, the civic body could collect only 100 kg of electronic waste. The e-waste market was organised at Vaduthala where residents of Pachalam, Thattazham and Vaduthala were asked to sell their electronic refuse.

“The second phase of the campaign received a very poor response from the people. It might be because of the interior location of the e-market. However, we are disappointed by the lukewarm response,” said V.K. Minimol, the health standing committee chairperson.

E-market will be organised at the Giri Nagar Community Hall on Wednesday where residents of Kadavanthra, Giri Nagar, Panampilly Nagar and surrounding areas can deposit the e-waste.

“We hope Wednesday’s market will have better public participation,” added Ms Minimol. The civic body has sent nearly six tonnes of electronic refuse to a Hyderabad-based firm in March, which was collected during a three-day collection drive in Phase I.

As part of the ‘e-waste free city’ campaign initiated with the support of state government’s Clean Kerala Company, the public can sell electronic refuse at Rs 10 per kg while students and educational institutions will get Rs 25 a kg. Apart from e-waste, several residents deposited tube lights, iron boxes and other abandoned electrical products with the e-markets in Phase I.