E-Waste no hassle

Kochi: As the various programmes initiated by the Clean Kerala Company and the city corporation for e-waste collection in the city have not succeeded, GJ Nature Care Limited, the firm which is undertaking the proposed waste-to-energy plant at Brahmapuram, is set to launch a regular e-waste collection system for greater Kochi area.

The initiative to be introduced with the support of local bodies will cover all areas in the district except far-off places like Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha.

Mr Kabeer B. Haroon, former managing director of Clean Kerala Company, who is currently serving as president (operations) of GJ Nature Care Limited, told this paper that talks were on with residents’ associations and civic bodies to introduce a regular e-waste collection system from households and commercial establishments.

“Small vehicles will be used for e- waste collection so that houses and offices along narrow roads and streets are also covered. Residents’ associations can take an active role in the initiative,” he said.

Though the project is planned for greater Kochi area, the company will send vehicles to far-off places in Ernakulam district if there is big stock of e-waste.

In the second phase, the company is planning to introduce a mobile app using which the residents can share details of e-waste which will be picked up from the mentioned spot.

There are also plans to collect glass bottles and cups in the later phase.

“The collected waste will be sent to the firms in other states which are approved by the Pollution Control Board for processing,” he added.

Earlier, the corporation had conducted e-waste collection drives in the city areas which failed to maintain its momentum.

The drives were conducted as part of ‘e-waste free city’ campaign initiated with the support of Clean Kerala Company.