Kerala to expand Eco Banks as public response surges

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government is planning to open more Eco Banks across Kerala following the positive public response to the initiative launched recently to facilitate proper disposal of inorganic and non-biodegradable waste. Currently, there are 14 Eco Banks, one each in every district. Now, the local self-government department (LSGD) has decided to establish a minimum of four centres in each district to ensure hassle free service to citizens. Since the Eco Banks initiative was rolled out, about 3 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste -- including e-waste, mattresses, footwear, bags, thermocol, cement sacks, and debris from weddings, house-shifting, and construction -- have been collected. The initiative is expected to make waste disposal more accessible for citizens, reduce illegal dumping, and strengthen the states ongoing waste management system. This is an innovative concept and the response has been good. We have just piloted the project and are getting a lot of enquiries for picking up waste, said G K Suresh Kumar, managing director of Clean Kerala Company Ltd (CKCL). At present, citizens are required to bring the collected waste themselves to the Resource Recovery Facility (RRF) in each district. However, the company has ruled out door-to-door pick-up services, citing cost concerns. We cannot go and collect the waste as it is not financially feasible. We cannot hire a vehicle spending `5,000 for lifting just 50kg of non-biodegradable waste. The public is always welcome, including on holidays, to hand over the waste. If there is a significant quantity we will definitely lift it, said Suresh. He pointed out that in some places, the response was not that good and hence, the department is planning to launch a comprehensive sensitisation campaign to popularise the initiative.