The New Town authorities have earned Rs 4.2 lakh by selling dry waste to recyclers over the past year.
In March last year, New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) introduced solid waste segregation in certain parts of the township. Residents now have to hand over their waste in two bins — one with kitchen waste and the other with plastic, thermocol, paper, metal, e-waste and other items. These are taken to a site at Patharghata behind Bagjola Canal, where they are segregated and auctioned off to recyclers.
“We are happy to announce that we have earned Rs 4.2 lakh over the past year by way of selling to recyclers,” said Debashis Sen, chairman of NKDA. “In future we may distribute part of these earnings among waste workers who perform well.”
Waste museum
The township is also set to get a solid waste management museum later this year. The museum will be located at the first traffic light, if approaching from Salt Lake. “The centre will be a collection point for e-waste and old clothes,” said Sen. “Space will also be allotted to outlets to showcase recycled and upcycled products, on a rotational basis.”
A similar centre had been set up at Eco Park last year but it has been discontinued. “We realised people are not likely to go to Eco Park with their waste. E-waste drop-off points need to be in residential areas,” Sen said.
