Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun converting plastic waste into wearable merchandise, with the first batch of T-shirts and caps made from 10 tonnes of discarded bottles and bags. The move is part of a municipal initiative encouraging residents to return used plastic in exchange for rewards.
Patna Municipal Corporation installed its first set of reverse vending machines last month, marking the city’s latest attempt to curb plastic use. The accumulated plastic from these machines has now been processed and turned into sample products that will soon be distributed as gifts to residents who earn “green points” for recycling.
Five machines have been placed at key locations: two along the JP Ganga Path, one at Maurya Lok Complex and two at Meenar Ghat. Each unit can collect up to two tonnes of plastic waste. Users deposit their used bottles or carry bags on one side of the machine and receive a small incentive or green points on the other.
How The Machines Work
The system is designed to be simple: residents insert an empty plastic bottle, enter their mobile number on the screen and receive green points based on the number of recyclable items returned. Those who accumulate 150 green points can claim a recycled-plastic cap, while 300 points will earn a T-shirt.
Officials say the initiative aims to cut down the city’s plastic load while encouraging public participation. With the first batch of recycled merchandise ready, the corporation plans to expand the scheme as usage increases.
