Kochi Corporation Trails in E-Waste Collection Despite Budget
Kochi while most local bodies across Ernakulam district have successfully implemented systems to procure e-waste from residents by offering payment, the Kochi corporation continues to lag significantly behind. Despite boasting a substantial budget outlay exceeding ₹1,200 crore, the corporation has informed Clean Kerala Company, the state-designated agency for e-waste collection, that it lacks the necessary funds to purchase e-waste directly from residents, leading to a persistent stalemate in its collection efforts. This financial hurdle prevents the establishment of a streamlined and effective e-waste management system in the city, creating a stark contrast with neighboring municipalities that have moved forward with their own initiatives.
As a preliminary step, the corporation and Clean Kerala Company held initial discussions regarding the collection of e-waste from city residents. The Clean Kerala Company reportedly insisted that the corporation first release funds to purchase the waste, with a promise of reimbursement at a later stage. However, a representative from the corporation’s health standing committee stated that due to a financial crunch, they are unable to provide the upfront money. Instead, the corporation has proposed an alternative model where they would arrange for residents to bring their e-waste to designated collection points, and the Clean Kerala Company would then purchase it directly from the residents. Another round of discussions is reportedly planned to resolve this ongoing deadlock.
Meanwhile, other local bodies within the Ernakulam district have already successfully launched their own e-waste collection schemes, utilizing their internal funds. For instance, Maradu Municipality has established a consortium involving the Haritha Karma Sena and municipal representatives to facilitate collection. The chairman of Maradu Municipality also highlighted the problems associated with informal e-waste collection, noting that scrap dealers often extract only the valuable components and improperly discard the remaining hazardous parts, such as television picture tubes, which have no resale value. He emphasized that proper purchasing by authorized bodies helps avoid such environmental damage.
The district Haritha Keralam Mission is also set to commence e-waste collection through the Haritha Karma Sena and other authorized agencies by August 15. A review meeting of local body secretaries is scheduled for July 26 to assess training progress and expedite the program’s rollout. This initiative will begin in 13 municipalities and within the corporation limits, with training for Haritha Karma Sena members already completed. Residents will receive payment based on fixed rates for their e-waste, which will then be stored in material collection facilities before being transported for recycling outside the state. Clean Kerala Company, in collaboration with Kerala Enviro Infrastructure Ltd (KEIL), will oversee the final disposal, with hazardous components treated at KEIL’s facility in Ambalamedu.
While other parts of the district progress, Kochi corporation faces continued challenges in establishing its own e-waste collection system. Resolving the funding dispute with Clean Kerala Company is crucial for ensuring efficient and environmentally sound disposal of electronic waste within the city’s limits, aligning with broader regional efforts.
