THANE: If things goes as plans, then plastic waste generated in the city could soon been converted into fuel that will be used for industrial purposes. A proposal regarding this was put forth before the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC).
The nine wards, including Kalwa and Mumbra, generates nearly 700 metric tones of waste, which includes 92 metric tones of plastic out of which 70% to 75% is collected by rag pickers. ”Plastic is bad for the environment as it is non degradable. Hence, the TMC has taken a decision to recycle this waste and put it to use,” said a civic official.
Plastic is manufactured from petroleum. Using a pyrolisis process, oil can be generated and this can be used to power up generators and also to manufacture grease that can be used for industrial purposes. ”If the plastic is recycled then it will produce nearly 65.70% oil, 10% to 12% carbon powder and combustion hydro carbon gas,” said a civic official.
The TMC claimed that there is very little element of pollutants in the entire process. This means that there is very little chance of pollution. The civic body has chosen a 2,000 sq ft area near C P lake at Wagle Estate that can be used to generate the oil. Once the general body gives a clearance to the proposal, the TMC will construct the plant with the help of public-private partnership (PPP). Once this is done, a company would be given the contract for a period of seven years. The company can sell the oil and earn profit. However, after seven years the project will be transferred to the TMC.
