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Kerala opens India’s first state-owned plastic waste recycling plant

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Kerala has become the first state in the country to set up a government-owned plastic waste recycling and treatment plant at a cost of Rs eight crore on one acre of land.

The plant, which started operations at Kunnanthanam Kinfra Park in Pathanamthitta, aims to recycle two tonnes of plastic waste daily. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including automatic sorting systems and advanced recycling technologies.

The recycled plastic will be processed into pellets (small granules) and sold to private companies for manufacturing different products. These pellets can be used to create various items such as plastic furniture, construction materials, and household goods, reducing the need for virgin plastic. “This initiative marks a significant step toward developing scientific and comprehensive waste management systems aimed at maintaining ecological balance and building a waste-free Kerala. The integrated plastic waste recycling plant has been set up by Pathanamthitta district panchayat in collaboration with the Clean Kerala Company under the local self-government department (LSGD),” said a senior officer of LSGD.

“The trial run of the plant has been completed and it will become fully operational soon. The plastic waste collected through Haritha Karma Sena will be sorted and brought to the plant for processing. The government will be establishing more similar units across the state in a phased manner to promote environmental sustainability and efficient waste management,” the officer said.

The facility is expected to generate employment opportunities for local residents, with plans to hire and train over 50 people in various operational roles. Additionally, the plant will conduct regular workshops and awareness programs for local communities about proper waste segregation and recycling practices.

The Clean Kerala Company is in discussions with various industries that use recycled plastic pellets in different product manufacturing. “We are in the process of signing a contract with a few companies for regular supply of the pellets,” said an official. Already, the Clean Kerala Company has signed agreements with over 10 manufacturing units for the supply of non-recyclable waste. As per official details, the non-recyclable waste is sent to cement factories outside the state through agreements with over 10 such facilities.

The initiative aligns with Kerala’s broader environmental goals, including its target to become plastic-neutral by 2030. The state government has also announced plans to establish similar recycling units in at least five other districts within the next two years, with an estimated investment of Rs 40 crore. These facilities will help address the growing challenge of plastic waste management while promoting circular economy in the state.

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