Delhi: Use reverse vending machines, earn rewards for waste
What's the story
Buoyed by the success of the 'reverse vending machines' already installed in the city, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation has now shortlisted nine spots to set up more. These machines are a win-win: they lure people with discount coupons, while making the authorities' work easier by facilitating segregation. But given Zeleno's track record, it's surprising why the civic body is choosing this firm.
Operations
How these machines work, explained
Such 'reverse vending machines' work on a simple principle: they allow citizens to drop their waste into the machine, and give them something as a reward. Similar ones in Lucknow and Jharkhand dispense discount coupons- from 2% to 20%- redeemable at its partner outlets, which include eateries, clothing brands, footwear, movies and more. You can dispose any kind of waste- plastic, glass or paper.
Delhi
Here's what the plan in Delhi is
These machines help the authorities too by removing the need of manual segregation. "It crushes the waste so it cannot be misused and thereby helps in accumulating more garbage in small space," a North official said. Under the agreement, the North will only give space for running these machines, which will be maintained by Zeleno. More machines will be brought in after a pilot.
Locations
These nine places will get new reverse vending machines
Such machines are already functional in Lucknow and Jharkhand. In Delhi, three were installed in Connaught Place last year. Currently, the South Delhi Municipal Corporation is running a three-month pilot in Defence Colony. The North is now looking at Kamla Nagar, Gaffar Market, the civic headquarters on Minto Road, Netaji Subhash Palace, Prashant Vihar, Rohini, East Patel Nagar and Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station.
Zeleno
The initiative is good, but the contractor?
However, Zeleno hasn't made an impressive start in this area. The machine at Sakchi bus terminus in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, stopped working two months after installation. Despite complaints, no one has responded, locals said. The ones at Connaught Place, Delhi, have been reduced to a traditional garbage bin too, said Mukesh Goel, Congress leader. This makes these machines, costing Rs. 1.8L each, seem too expensive.
Alternatives
We need the best deals with the best companies
One alternative is RIL, which launched its PET bottle reverse vending machine in Mumbai in May. More machines will be installed, it said. But the deal also matters, Goel said. "The plastic-waste is going to be recycled and used by the company, while the civic-body doesn't get any share." The intention is noble, but authorities have to take steps to ensure it remains so.