Collection of hazardous waste at doorsteps in Peenya begins

Two agencies appointed to monitor 500-odd industrial units

Door-to-door collection of hazardous waste from individual industrial units operating in Peenya Industrial Area (PIA) complex was launched by Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) chairperson Vaman Acharya on Tuesday.

Two companies - Arun Industries and Bangalore Incinerators - have been appointed agencies to visit 500-odd industries that generate hazardous waste.

These agencies will collect waste and process it separately in a unit located outside
Bangalore.

Speaking on the occasion, Acharya said, “This closed loop system will help the industries segregate and dispose of hazardous waste in a systematic manner. This will also help in tapping the unregistered industries.”

No place to store

A majority of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) are operating in small sheds and do not have enough space to store hazardous waste. Most industries generate hazardous waste like used oil from servicing of DG sets and other engines, oil-soaked waste and filters, grinding muck and waste coolant.

Acharya said new permits will not be issued to electroplating and chrome industries which contaminate groundwater. “Criminal action will be taken against industries that fail to take the Board’s warning seriously,” he said.

On the simplified process of issuing permits for industrial operation, he said every procedure, except inspection, will be digitally recorded.

This will bring in accountability and transparency within KSPCB. A separate department will carry out the inspection as per specified parameters, which include photographing of the units.

This will mainly curb malpractices in issuing permits to industries, he said.