BANGALORE: The Solid Waste Management Round Table Bangalore (SWMRT), supported by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), BBMP and the Karnataka High Court Legal Services Committee inaugurated the first ever Bengaluru Recycling Habba on Monday, aligning with the recycling week observed internationally.From November 1 to 14, the habba will feature several events that will highlight the importance of the three ‘R’s — reduce, reuse, recycle. With its slogan, ‘think before you throw’, the habba has been organised with an aim to make the citizens aware of the urgency of managing waste. The opening ceremony of the habba took place at Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and was inaugurated by BBMP commissioner Siddaiah. The BBMP commissioner introduced the various initiatives taken up the Palike and gave out a message for the people to segregate waste and recycle it. Siddaiah informed that the BBMP will set up biomethanisation plants at 17 markets in city. It has already set up compost units of two tonne capacity in many extension areas. “The BBMP has set up dry waste collection centres in all 198 wards. Work is in progress to set up units that will convert plastic waste into raw materials. It churns out 10 tonnes of plastic waste into raw material," he said. He added that the waste from 400 parks is converted into compost manure and that this will be extended to other parks too.He noted that Solid Waste Management is quite tough in a city like Bangalore. “In places where 60-70 tonnes of garbage is generated daily, it will cross thousands of tonnes during festivals. This affects collection, transportation and composting. Some vested interests are trying to control this system because of which the BBMP is not getting maximum benefit,” he added.The guest of honour, Lakshmi, waste picker and member of Hasiru Dalla, put forward her plight as a waste picker and explained the need for recognition and thanked the Palike for taking the necessary steps needed in order to recognise the work done by them. Jenny Pinto, habba curator, said, “The aim of the organising committee of the recycling habba and all the members of the SWMRT is to bring together the stakeholders of the city — namely government, industry and civil society — to find sustainable solutions to Bangalore’s growing solid waste issues.’’The habba will include:Alternate Current: An exhibition-cum-sale of ‘waste inspired’ lighting features by Bangalore-based artists, from Nov 5 to 13. Mela in the mall: Stalls will sell stationery, toys and jewellery made from recycled materials from November 10 to 13. ReFlea by night:Showcasing products created by recycling plastic and glass on November 9. Reuse melaPeople can exchange their unused household items. Recyclathon awardsWill be given from November 1 to 13. Trash trail A guided tour that follows the trail of trash from the doorstep to the landfill and the recycling market. Bug workshop A workshop that encourages kids to appreciate the important role of insects in the cycle of garbage.For more details, call 9738046841.
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