Plastic shredding unit closed down

Kochi: Thrikkakara municipality has shut down its sole plastic shredding unit after residents raised concerns of air pollution in the locality.
According to residents, toxic smoke spreads over the area when plastic is processed in the plant. This creates physical uneasiness, including suffocation and cough.
The unit was installed at a cost of Rs 6 lakh.Due to shut down, plastic collection in the locality has been stopped partially.
The plant began its operation in 2012. In the unit, large quantity of plastic will be burned and condensed into a single piece. This recycled product will be later shredded and used as raw material in construction of roads.
During initial days, the quantity of plastic processed here was comparatively less. Later, two to three tonnes of plastic were recycled here.
"The unit used to function everyday from 10pm to 4am," said C A Nishad, health standing committee member of Thrikkakkara municipality.
"It was functioning in an unscientific manner. The smoke that erupts from the plant was highly poisonous as they did not install pollution control mechanism. The municipality could not install smoke stack scrubbers to reduce pollution,'' said M S Anilkumar, president of Thrikkakara residents' association apex council (TRAAC).
He said smoke that erupts from the plant was capable of creating respiratory problems, including suffocation.
"Pollution has already created a real mess in our livelihood," he said.
However, after the unit had stopped functioning, the local body authorities said that they have entrusted a team to collect plastic wastes without undergoing any treatment.
"The unit will remain closed until a consensus is made with the residents," said Anilkumar.