“How long can we send our plastic to other States?” asks Kalpana Kar, member, Solid Waste ManagementExpert Committee of the BBMP. While neighbouring States house plastic-to-fuel plants, the concept is yet to fructify in Bengaluru.
“There is a need for support from the State in terms of setting up a recyclable park, economic incentive or creation of clusters to handle plastic … this needs to be formed now,” she said.
Ramani Nagarajan, a waste management consultant based in Sweden, believes a policy is needed to ensure segregation and reuse.
“In Sweden, there was first a campaign, and then a policy of segregation at homes. This was followed by cash incentives for returning plastic bottles which was borne by suppliers themselves. Finally, waste-to-energy plants were encouraged ... these plants generate nearly 15 MW now. Governments need to be proactive to put in place such policies,” he said.