PLASTIC WASTES LITERRED Carelessly
In Churachandpur District
Causing Pollution and Deadly Toxics
A Project Proposal on
Plastic Waste Handling & Recycling Project for Protection of Local Environment
Project Title: "Plastic Free Society"
Executive Summary
As per the Pollution Control Board reports, India generates 16000 tonnes plastic waste a day and only 9000 tonnes are recycled. Plastic Pollution is a major factor in India. It badly impacts the oceans. The Society started an awareness campaign (PFS) about the hazards created by disposable plastics on March 9, 2018. Initially, it was only an awareness campaign. As many lessons were learned over the years and passion for reducing the pollution made us setting up a recycling unit. Now, the campaign is ‘Plastic Free Society.’
A comprehensive Plastic Scrap Reprocessing Project was prepared to beat the plastic pollution in the city. It is an economic business plan as well. The business plan showed that the facility would come into profit by October 2021. Unfortunately, no banker is willing to provide us a loan so the Society approaches some like-minded people for financial assistance for machinery and a used vehicle. Currently, about .5 tonne / week waste is being collected from all available sources and being sent through for ‘dusting process.’
In this light, Gram Vikas Mandal (GRAVIMA) proposes a Recycling Project with the following three effects:
1) Awareness about the hazards created by discarded plastics; the team defines ‘awareness’ as behavioural change of plastics consumption (plastics consumption to be reduced).
2) Available Alternatives to the Disposable Plastics would be highlighted through various activities involving citizens and enforcement agencies. Cloth bags, paper bags, and steel items to be available and promoted.
3) Collection and Proper Handling of Plastic Waste, Recycling Process & Production of New plastic Items.
It is a service to the environment, public health and at the same time, it is revenue generating model. The unit shall create a source of livelihood initially for about 8- 12 women who are under poverty line and help rag-pickers. In addition to this, any number of Self-Help Group women can be a part of this project. GRAVIMA is a committed organization for awareness about hazards by plastics waste and to educate residents, tourists and the stakeholders involved in urban bodies.
The Urban Local Body will provide us space. The team could support itself with the basic machinery. Now the project organization seeks financial aid for Extrusion Machinery with wash-line. We felt that we could approach your good offices for support for this noble cause and we are hopeful that it could be supported partly or fully.
Sd/-
Yours Sincerely
Vice President, Gram Vikas Mandal
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Name of the Organization
GRAM VIKAS MANDAL (GRAVIMA)
Regd No / Year
Regn.no.20 of 2001
Registered Location
GRAM VIKAS MANDAL Saihenjang Village. BPO Tollen
Churachandpur District-795128. Manipur
Other Cities for operation
Chandel, Senapati, Thoubal, Tengnoupal & Kangpokpi
Phone Number
Phone: 7005436508
Email: gramvikasmandalsaihenjang@gmail.com
Website :gramvikasmandal.org/plastic-waste-management
Contact Person
Henkholun Doungel. Phone: 7005436508 henkholundoungel@gmail.com
Vision & Mission
Gram Vikas Mandal [GRAVIMA] works on protecting the environment by improving the civic sense. Its objectives include child rights, education, health and good governance, Livelihood, Rural Development, Women Empowerment, Farmers’ Welfare, Sanitation & Hygiene, Malnutrition and physical activities in Govt schools. Our team endeavours to spread the awareness programmes involving children & youth in various environmental awareness programs as well as personal development programs. Regular campaigns, literature, seminars, on the spot problem dealing are major activities of the mission. It also provide advocacy and capacity building both in rural and municipality setting. The Society will achieves its objectives through working on Sustainable Development Goals.
Campaigns & Projects
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PFS - ‘Plastic Free Society.’
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WEIGA – Women Empowerment through Income Generating Activities
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SRDT - “Sustainable & Rural Development through Technology
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HELP - Humanitarian Assistance for Education & Livelihood Project
Board : GRAVIMA has grown from few nominal members to 15 active and efficient group members including volunteers. GRAVIMA has four principal organs: Executive Committee, Patrons Group, Working Committee and Review Committee.
President : henkholundoungel@gmail.com Phone: 700546508
Secretary : jennydoungel@gmail.com Phone: 9862654297
PAN :AAEA5134A
GST :4AAEAG5134A1ZE
Income 12A Certificate :Yes
Income 80G Certificate :Yes
FCRA :Applying,
Savings Bank :UNITED BANK OF INDIA A/c No:0255010695473 IFSC: UTBI0CCP334
1. Introduction: Plastic Menace Overview
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1 Introduction:
Plastics are amazing and since its inception, plastic enabled countless advances in our industry and way of life. Created to be light, durable, chemically resistant, non-reactive to outside influences, and easy to manufacture, plastic was a perfect building material for countless articles that are used not only by ordinary users in their daily affairs but also in aeronautics, construction industry, electronics, packaging, transportation, energy conservation, scientific components and other.
But there is a threat with ‘throwaway plastics’ (disposable plastics, single-use products, kick- off items etc). As per Ministry of Environment, India generates 16000 ton/day out of which only 9000 ton/day being collected and the remaining pollutes the soil, clogs drains, pollutes waters and kills the animals with its indigestive nature.
Dumped Solid Waste scene in Imphal Market
Causing Pollution and Deadly Toxics
1.2. Problem with Plastic Waste
It is known that “Discarded plastics pose a threat to human health and environment; due to its non- biodegradable nature, littering of plastics causes irreversible damage to the environment; plastic wastes hinder the natural aeration process of the surface water bodies, choke municipal sewer lines and storm water drains and clog the bar-screens of sewage treatment plants; they interfere with various agricultural operations, prevent natural recharge of underground water and contribute to visual pollution. Consuming food wrapped in coloured plastic has adverse effects on health; municipalities routinely receive reports of death of cows and other animals from ingesting plastic bags. And it ia common occurrences in state like Manipur both in town and rural areas caused by uninformed mass and careless handling of plastic wastage.
Figure 1Dumped Plastic wastes in Manipur
a) Environmental Degradation, Threat to Human Health & Animals
Improper handling of solid waste and indiscriminate disposal in open spaces, River bed, road margins, tank beds, and etcetera in all parts of the state, give rise to numerous potential risks to the environment e.g Loktak Lake and to human health. Direct health risks mainly concern those working in the field without using proper gloves, uniforms, and etcetera; a high percentage of waste workers and individuals who live near or on disposal sites are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, worms, and related organisms. For the public, the main risks to health are indirect and related to poor water, land, and air quality. In addition, infrequent collection of waste provides an attractive breeding ground for flies and rats.
b) Plastics Handling Challenges Across India: Landfill & Damage to Agriculture Throughout the country, Waste Management has become a challenge to Municipal Staff. Highest portion of the solid waste including plastics have been subjected to landfill. However, disposing of the waste to landfill is becoming undesirable as in the case of Porompat & Lamdeng landfill in Manipur due to (1) Legislative pressures (where waste to landfill must be reduced by 35% by 2020) (2) Rising Costs (3) The generation of explosive greenhouse gases (such as methane) (4) The poor biodegradability of commonly used packaging polymers. In light of these hazards, the improvement in federal regulations for land filling are carried out by normalizing the use of liners in the landfill bed, ground water testing for waste leaks, and post landfill closure care. However, since waste plastics have a high volume to weight ratio, appropriate landfill space is becoming both scare and expensive
1.2. Challenges to City/ IMTC. Imphal, Thoubal, Chandel, Senapati and CTMC, Churachandpur
Despite the challenges, IMTC. Imphal is doing well in collection but was not able to handle plastic 100% it properly. On the other hand, the plastics create marine debris. The following table is a rough estimation (not official but a rough calculation as per CPCB report)
Section-II
Project: Plastic Free Society to Used Plastics
2.1 Statement of Purpose
The aim of the project is to give new life (recycle or reprocess) post-consumer mixed plastics waste into a new product. Initial objective is to make chips and granules through extrusion process.
2.2. Mission: Economic Project & Environmental Service to Local Environment
The Vision of the Project Organization is to handle 4 – 8 tonnes / day Municipal Plastic Scrap through mechanical recycling process (extrusion process). The goal of the project is to improve the local environment and offering continuous employment to individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
Processing of Plastic free Society (Extrusion Processing)
Here is the model that is proposed for reprocessing: Segregation at Source, Collection from doorstep, Segregation, Washing & Drying, Milling, Floatation, Contaminant Separation, Crushing/ Shredding/ Processing, Extrusion, Cooling & Cutting. Moulding is another process to get it scaled-up.
2.2. Experience: Awareness Campaign to Recycling Unit
The Society started an awareness campaign (PFS) about the hazards created by disposable plastics on March 9, 2017. Initially, it was only an awareness campaign. As many lessons were learned over the years and passion for reducing the pollution made us setting up a recycling unit.
“The service is designed to reduce the requirement for the landfill disposal of plastics packaging waste, which until now, has been the option for country like India. Landfill disposal is already overburdened in Manipur which are located at Porompat ans Lamdeng Imphal City and subject to increasingly tight environmental legislation. These increasing restrictions make landfill disposal less financially viable and less attractive to the waste generator. The aim is to encourage, initially at commercial locations, the segregation of the waste at source and deliver this to the facility with the minimum of inconvenience to all involved parties.
A comprehensive business plan was prepared to cover the start up period 2018 -2030. The project is set to begin with the resources available. Urban Local Body provides water, electricity and premises. Basic machinery for dusting plastic waste is also required. The collection of waste for dusting process is going on. Machinery is required to go for extrusion process (chips and granules reprocessing). In fact, there is no time bound of the project. The project will be taken in large in 15 days if there is a loan or grant.
The waste suitable for reprocessing at the facility includes all plastic packaging products manufactured from a wide range of secondary materials including:
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Polythene
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High Density Polyethylene
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Low Density Polyethylene
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Polystyrene
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PET
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Polyurethene
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Polypropylene
“The waste itself goes through a series of processes prior to the final moulding stage at which point the products are recovered. The products take a wide variety of forms, ranging from timber (Lumber) and concrete alternatives to intricate designs, which in many cases can be created to meet with specific customer requirements. The goal at all times is to create an opportunity for the communities, both domestic and commercial, to make a significant contribution towards protecting the environment and creating a more sustainable future”.
Plastic Wastes in Nambul River
Headed for Loktak Lake
Section-III
Sources: Throwaway to Recycling Unit
A comprehensive business plan was prepared to cover the start up period 2018 -2030. The business plan showed that the facility would come into profit by October 2021. Currently, waste is being collected from all available sources and being sent through for ‘dusting process.’
3.1. Sources of Plastic Waste
Plastic waste can be mainly classified as: (1) Municipal Waste (2) Industrial Waste Plastic wastes represent a considerable part of municipal wastes, while huge amounts of plastic waste arise as a by-product or faulty product in industry and agriculture. Of the total plastic waste, over 78 wt% of this total corresponds to thermoplastics and the remaining to thermosets.
3.1.1 Plastic Products include:
Domestic Waste (food containers, packaging foam, disposable cups, plates, cutlery, CD and cassette boxes. fridge liners, vending cups, electronic equipment cases, drainage pipe, carbonated drinks bottles, plumbing pipes and guttering, flooring. cushioning foams, thermal insulation foams, surface coatings,etc.)Municipal Waste (mulch films, feed bags, fertilizer bags, and in temporary tarpaulin- like uses such as covers for hay, silage,etc.)Wires and Cables Automobile Wrecking: The MSW collected plastics waste is mixed one with major components of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate etc. Industrial Plastic Waste Industrial plastic wastes (so-called primary Waste) are those arising from the large plastics manufacturing, processing and packaging industry. The industrial waste plastic mainly constitute plastics from (1) Construction and Demolition companies (e.g. polyvinyl chloride pipes and fittings, tiles and sheets) (2) Electrical and Electronic Industries and Industrial Plastic Waste (e.g. switch boxes, cable sheaths, cassette boxes, TV screens, etc.) (3) The automotive industries spare-parts for cars (such as fan blades, seat coverings, battery containers and front grills). Most of the industrial plastic waste have relatively good physical characteristics i.e. they are sufficiently clean and free of contamination and are available in fairly large quantities
3.1. Disposable Plastics
Soft drink bottlesToiletry containers, i.e. shampoo, shower gel, etc Thread protectors for oil drilling tubes Chemical bags Cooking oil containers. Major source of plastics waste is Scrap from all major towns of Manipur and Segregated Plastics by supporters of Gram Vikas Mandal (GRAVIMA), residents, apartments, hotels, schools, parks, shops, university, shopping malls etc and it is estimated that about 3-4 tonnes/ day would be collected. Another objective of the project is to collect dry waste from the source itself.
As per the new Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016), all the public, vendors, brand owners, manufacturing units, controlling authority, urban & rural local bodies, judiciary etc have role in it. Community participation in Solid Waste Management is the key to a sustainable and integrated project. Therefore, the applicant organization shall participate in all the awareness programmes in connection with segregation of waste.
3.1. Figure Description: Segregation to Granulation
Section-IV
Business: Dusting to Chips & Granules
Proposed Business Activity Recycling is reprocessing of the used plastics to form new similar products. The proposed type is a type of primary and secondary recycling of plastic where the homogeneous waste plastics are converted into products with nearly same or less performance level than the original product. Thermosets (Non-Recyclable) once set cannot be remoulded /softened by applying heat. Thermoplastics (Recyclable) become soft when heated, can be moulded or shaped with pressure when in plastic state.
4.2. Reprocessing through Extrusion Process
Washing, Drying, Extrusion and Processing into granules would be the model of working:
Introduction of Plastic waste to the reactor Closing the lid of the reactor (air-tight) and apply heating increase the heating gradually so that sudden temperature rise may not burn certain waste Collect the generated fumes on water. They are cut into tiny pieces (granules or pallets)Thus Extrusion, granules would be the outcome product in the processing. Washing generates waste water having high pollution load. The project organization is preparing plan for waste water treatment plant.
4.3. Short Note on By-Products
Through this reprocessing, the final products are Chips / Granules. They are raw-materials to for the plastics moulding (making new products). Virgin plastics are mixed products of used plastic granules. Units buy in large quantity from this unit as there is a good demand and virgin plastics chips or granules are expensive. In future, the organization has plans to scale up for moulding.
Section-V
Mechanism & Capacity of Unit
5.1. Mechanism & Capacity
The Proposed Unit shall handle all kinds of plastic upto 480 – 600 kgs per hour. The plant shall run 8 – 9 Hrs / day and 325 working days during the first year. On and average, the unit can handle 5 – 8 Metric Tonnes per a day. It is estimated that there shall be 8% - 11% increase in the profit by the project. The proposal shall achieve the best results. The project shall have sustainability in the long run besides salaries and miscellaneous. It is estimated that the project will have growth in the second year as the team get expertise in the market and shall try to increase capacity building.
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Grinder (1)
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Washing & Drying Unit(1)
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Agglometer (1)
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Extrusion with Cooling Tank(1)
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Dana Cutter with Colour Mixing Unit(1)
5.1. Approvals
The project organization will collaborate with MPCB in implementation of CPCB Plastic Waste Guidelines & Recommendations, Sep 2017 (PWM Rules, 2016). The Urban Local Body provides water and electricity besides premises. As per the norms of PWM Rules (2016) (13) (3), the project organization shall abide by the rules and regulations of MPCB. MPCB has approved Consent for Establishment this entity (A copy has been attached).
5.1. Budget for Infrastructure, Machinery & Working Capital
Section – VI
Beneficiaries: Rag Picking to Professional Dignity
6.1Revenue to Organization
1) Besides a clean local environment, the project has financial viability.
6.2. Direct Beneficiaries
1) The project would give a good platform for 110 rag pickers, 50 settled rag pickers and their families. This project will bring them a good price for their waste.
2) Hopefully, 11 – 15 people would be employed directly.
3) As a part of the project, it is aimed to launch a weekly mobile clinic for the rag pickers and near by people.
4) They would have training about the plastics and hazardous waste handling and safety measures will be taught. Safe Sex & HIV counseling sessions are also planned for this community.6.3. Indirect Beneficiaries
6.3. Indirect Beneficiaries
1) Rivers, Seas & Mother Earth are also indirect beneficiaries as they would not get polluted wherever collection and reprocessing takes place.
2) Local Environment: This proposed PW Handling & Recycling Project will contribute to a cleaner local environment, maintaining pure surface and ground water, healthy soils, and clean air. Noteworthy, a clean local environment will immediately benefit the most vulnerable groups of society whose livelihoods often depend on the natural resources available locally.
3) Micro-Entrepreneurship: There will also be opportunities for the start-up of micro-enterprises in recycling, e.g. recycling of paper, Tetra Pak cartons, Pet bottles, and etcetera. GRAVIMA will utilize existing organisational capacities to train unemployed youths.
4) The first and foremost benefit of recycling plastic is conservation of petroleum, which is getting scarce. Large amount of petroleum is needed for making new plastic products, and around 40% of the petroleum consumption can be reduced by recycling old and discarded plastic.
5) The benefits of recycling plastic include a reduction in the emission of greenhouse gases. In other words, greenhouse gases are emitted while burning petroleum, and if the amount of petroleum used in making plastic is reduced through recycling, the emission of these gases will also reduce.
6) Even the landfill space can be saved through recycling. It is said that removal of one ton of plastic for recycling spares a landfill space of around 7.5 cubic yards.
7) One of the important environmental benefits of recycling plastic bags and bottles is that, it saves animals, birds, and a wide range of aquatic creatures from death due to ingestion of plastic. The chemicals in plastic can also pollute the soil as well as water.
Section-VII
Market: Existing Orders & Buyers of the Granules
7.1. Products
The final products of the proposed project are Chips / Granules. They are raw-materials for the plastics moulding (making new products). Virgin plastics are mixed products of used plastic granules. Units buy in large quantity from this unit as there is a good demand and virgin plastics chips or granules are expensive.
7.1. In Building and Construction Industry
From the moment famous Bakelite appeared in the first decade of 20th century, plastic became one of the most used building blocks of modern construction industry. This is only surpassed by packaging industry, which uses more plastic than construction industry. The most common uses for plastic in construction is in pipes, valves, bathroom units, flooring, siding, panels, Lumbers, insulation, plumbing fixtures, windows, doors, railings, glazing and gratings. They are used so much because of their awesome abilities to resist corrosion, natural elements and are also very light and easy to handle.
7.2. In Packaging Units / Plastics Manufactures
Versatile, durable, flexible, rigid, and light plastic was embraced by packaging industry with both hands. By employing various manufacturing techniques plastic can be shaped and moulded into any desirable form, have any colour, or any physical property. Plastic transport containers are not only used for household items such as shatterproof bottles and child resistant packages, but also in medicine (bio hazard waste disposal, sensitive containers, transport moulds that hold their cargo in firm grip), research, and countless other fields.
7.1.In Roads Construction
A range of plastics products will be produced for the construction for roads (8% plastic chips is mandatory and related industries.
Conclusion
As the issue is of serious nature and challenging, expertise with passion requires for the processing. GRAM VIKAS MANDAL feels that it can deal with the handling 100% efficiently. It is not just a unit but a service to the public health and Mother Earth. Upon having sources and assistance, surely, the organization could achieve the best results in the recycling and sustainable outcome for the nation-state.
Sd/-
Jenny Chinneithem
Secretary
GRAM VIKAS MANDAL
Saihenjang Village. BPO Tollen
Churachandpur District-795129
Manipur. Northeast India
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References have been mentioned
https://hilldigest.com/over-100-kgs-of-plastics-collected-from-6-schools-in-churachandpur/
http://mpcb.gov.in/images/pdf/Plasticenglish04.02.2011.pdf
http://www.thepeopleschronicle.in/daily/english/4709
http://manipur.spcb.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/MSW-20181.pdf
https://www.justdial.com/Imphal/Plastic-Product-Dealers/nct-10376081
https://cpcb.nic.in/uploads/plasticwaste/Annual_Report_2018-19_PWM.pdf
Annepu, R.K. 2012. Sustainable Waste Management in India. Waste-to-energy research and technology council (WTERT), Columbia University.
Dey, S. 2016. Malaria Costs India Rs. 11,640 crore yearly, Dengue Rs 6,000 crore: WHO, Times of India, 18th February.
Imphal Municipal Council. 2012. The Imphal municipal council (Cleanliness and Sanitation) Bye-Laws, 2011.
Khwairakpam, D., Singh, W.R. and Naorem, V. 2015. Strategy for urban infrastructure development in identified towns of Manipur state. Int. J. Hum. Soc. Sci. Invention. 4 : 42-50.
Liu, V. and Liu, Y. 2005. Novel incineration technology integrated with drying, pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of MSW and ashes Vitrification. Environ. Sci. Technol. 39 : 3855-3863.
Singh, C.R. and Dey, M. 2015. Role of NGOs in solid waste management: A study in different municipalities of Manipur, India. Curr World Environ. 10 : 161-170.
* Sanitation & Hygiene
* Manipur State Govt. at a Glance
* Imphal West District at a Glance
* Imphal East District at a Glance
* Churachandpur District at a Glance
* BOSEM
* COSHEM