Reduce, recycle, reuse mantra for a cleaner City

Two-week Bengaluru Recycling Habba starts today

The Solid Waste Management Round Table, supported by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike and Karnataka High Court Legal Services Committee launched an ambitious campaign called ‘Bengaluru Recycling Habba’ on Monday.

The campaign involves reducing, recycling and reusing waste across the City. With its slogan ‘Think before you Throw’, the Habba will be on from November 1 to 14 and will feature eight different events organised across the City over the two-week span. The key events at the Habba include: ‘Alternate Current’, ‘Mela in the Mall’, ‘ReFlea by Night’, ‘Trash Trail’ and others.
Palike Commissioner Siddaiah, environmentalist Yellappa Reddy and KSPCB chairman A S Sadashivaiah were part of the panel on Monday that discussed recycling of garbage at length.

Siddaiah announced the Palike’s plan to start three plastic recycling units at different locations in the City next year. The project, for which tenders are being floated, will eventually help recycle 10  metric tonnes of plastic every day once it is operational.

“The Palike has started biomethanation plants at seven different market areas. Dry waste collection units have already been set up in 30 wards. The remaining 168 wards will soon have the facility,” Siddaiah said.

Yellappa Reddy said the problem of garbage does not stop with lack of cleanliness but also leads to health problems.

“A spoon of mercury is enough to affect a growing child in the womb. There are dangerous chemicals disposed of rather unscientifically and callously these days,” he said.

* Alternate Current: An exhibition-cum-sale of waste inspired upcycled lighting features by City-based artists, Nov 5-13, Olive Beach, Wood Street.

* Mela in the Mall: Sale of jewellery, bags, toys, home accessories and stationery made from recycled materials, Nov 10-13, Mantri Mall, Malleswaram.

* ReFlea by Night: Well-known designers to showcase a range of products created by recycling plastic, tetra packs, glass, cloth, tins, waste paper etc, Nov 9 (6.30 pm to 11 pm), Olive Beach, Wood Street.

* ReUse Mela: An exchange mela where people can exchange their unused household and personal items, Nov 6 and 13, Rotary Learning Centre, Yelahanka New Town.

* Trash Trail: A guided tour of trash from our doorsteps to the landfill, Nov 9 and 11, 7 am, organised by Daily Dump, Indiranagar.

* Bug Workshop: Workshop for kids to teach them the role of insects in the cycle of garbage, Nov 12, 11 am, Mother Earth, Domlur.