TMC's eco-friendly initiative seeks your discarded thermocol

Over the last decade, efforts of the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to create awareness among Thanekars about celebrating Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly way have failed. Hence, this year, authorities have decided to spread the message in a different manner - by recycling the thermocol used for decoration during the festival.

At schools and societies
The TMC has arranged 40-odd dustbins to collect the discarded thermocol. The initiative is being carried out under the guidance of municipal commissioner Sanjeev Jaiswal, with the pollution control department and the solid waste management department preparing units to make it a success. The education department is doing its bit by creating awareness in civic and private schools.

"The thermocol that is thrown away is nearly 25 tonnes," added the official.

Each of the dustbins can accommodate nearly 25 kg waste. "The dustbins will be installed in schools, societies and immersion sites. We are also putting up banners and posters appealing to people to return the material, so that it can be recycled," said Sandeep Malvi, public relations officer, TMC.

Thermocol to CD covers
The recycling process, being undertaken on private-public partnership basis, won't cost the corporation a lot, as officials have to collect the raw material and hand it over. "It will be carried out at Wagle estate by Shree Insupac Pvt Ltd. Recycling will be done, and from that CD covers and frames will be made," said another official.

40
Number of garbage bins arranged