TNN

Bangalore, Feb 4: Recycling 1 tonne of paper can save 17 full-grown trees and 7,000 gallons of water. It sure is a motivator to join the movement and the residents of Yelahanka New Town — where BBMP commissioner S Subramanya lives — have done just that.

Initiated by Citizens Forum Yelahanka New Town (CFYNT), the movement for a green and clean Yelahanka New Town received impetus by a unique scheme, Wealth Out of Waste (WOW), proposed by corporate giant ITC on Sunday. Under the scheme, ITC will distribute two bags to each household to collect paper, books, magazines, newspaper, cartons etc in one bag and plastics, glass and metal scraps in the other. ITC will buy the waste generated at market price.

Wet waste, however, will continue to be collected by the BBMP. Through this arrangement, ITC will clear 40% of the garbage from doorsteps.

A similar project has already benefited 2 lakh households in Hyderabad.

CFYNT is contemplating installation of a solid waste management plant designed by IISc to process wet waste and produce commercial dry manure. The cost of the plant is estimated to be Rs 5 lakh and wet garbage will be collected from 1,000 households. With this arrangement is place, there’ll be no need for landfills or garbage dumping sites in the area.

Participating in the event, Subramanya stressed the need for citizens’ self-governance, creating a healthy environment and improve quality of life. He also assured help to set up a wet waste processing plant, which is being successfully operated by NGOs elsewhere.