Thiruvananthapuram: Of the 280 aerobic bins in around 25 wards, maintenance work is being carried out on about 60 bins. The temporary wooden shelters set up in the first phase are being replaced now. One of the failures the BJP lists is the Jagathy bin. There was no stench nor fleas at the Jagathy bin. It was learnt that only 6 of the 25 bins are being used. Around 35 families depend on it. It takes about 20 days for the bin to fill up.
The number has come down because of the rising number of kitchen bin users, said an employee. Health wing officials say that the number reduced because the councillor had said no to waste being brought from other wards. In some places, people leave their waste outside aerobic bins as it opens only by 7 am. So there will be staff manning the bins from 5 am to 9 pm. Corporation officials categorise the bins at Erumakkuzhi near Chalai market as a good example of aerobic bins. It caters to 960 families. 34 bins are in use, and a bin gets filled in a week’s time.
A reason for its success could be the waste collection service. Nine people have been employed to collect waste in pickup trucks. There was a malodour, which became apparent only after one stepped inside. The location is another reason why some of the bins are underutilised. Valyasala councillor M Lekshmi says people have been complaining about the bins being too far off for their convenience. In some areas, where most households have space to manage waste, there is no pressing need for a bin – as was the case with Vijaymohini Mills.
Corporation moves to remove stigma
City Corporation hopes that people visiting the main office will sit and relax, right next to an aerobic bin shelter. What better way to remove the stigma surrounding aerobic bins. A small park with pots of bougainvillea and two benches have been set up at a distance of ten metres or less from the bins at the main office. "The idea is similar to Watson Park at Alappuzha, where a park surrounds aerobic bins," an official says. Bins at Vizhinjam, Harbour and Kottapp-uram are also being beautified.
