Vellore is set to transform its plastic waste management strategy with the establishment of 14 Resource Recovery Centres (RRCs) across the city. Dr. S R Ganesh, the city health officer, highlighted that once all RRCs are operational, plastic waste collected from local wards can be processed on-site, eliminating the need for transportation to the distant Viruthampattu facility. This change is expected to expedite the baling process and reduce plastic waste accumulation at micro-composting centres.

Residents will be encouraged to hand over their plastic waste to sanitary workers once a week, specifically on Wednesdays or Thursdays. After baling, the plastic will be supplied to cement factories, where it will be utilized as an alternative fuel source. Dr. Ganesh noted that the corporation has transitioned from contracted lorry services to using its own vehicles for transportation, significantly reducing delays in the process.

In addition to plastic waste initiatives, the civic body is in discussions with a private vendor to establish an e-waste recycling program. ?The vendor is approved by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB), and we expect to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the coming weeks to ensure safe handling of e-waste,? Dr. Ganesh stated.

Meanwhile, the city continues to manage bio-degradable waste effectively, with 50 micro-composting centres across the district composting waste and distributing the generated manure free of charge to local farmers. This holistic approach to waste management aims to foster a cleaner and more sustainable environment in Vellore.