THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An initiative in which shopkeepers can sell unused plastic carry bags for a token amount was launched along with Saturday’s plastic collection drive. Four retail stores became the first shops to be part of the drive. In all, 300 kg of plastic carry bags was collected, of which 150 kg came from one store. The plastic bags were collected from the shops since the drive was held for the first time. Other stores interested in disposing of their stock can leave it with the corporation.
The plan is to shred the bags, including non-woven polypropylene bags, and give it to Clean Kerala. There is an ongoing project, in which shredded plastic is used for making polymerised roads. The corporation is planning to procure one more shredding machine in addition to the one at Muttathara. The one installed can shred one tonne plastic daily. Inaugurating the initiative, Mayor V.K. Prasanth said that the plastic ban was an eco-friendly initiative, which was not intended to cause harm to traders. He said that the corporation hoped to address the losses suffered by traders at least in a small way.
Ten tonnes of plastic was collected from seven points - Putharikandam Grounds; near M G College, Kesavadasapuram; near Karamana Bridge; Pipinmoodu Junction at Sasthamangalam; Technopark; Chakkai HI Office and near Sreekaryam Market. The corporation will conduct a collection drive of bags and slippers as well as glass waste. However, it is learnt that recyclers are not moving forward as there is confusion over GST.
