Patna: Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken another big step toward making the city clean and environment-friendly. For the first time, the city has installed Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) that allow people to deposit used plastic bottles and get rewarded in return. The initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage citizens to take part in protecting the environment. By using these machines, residents and tourists can earn incentives or “green points” while helping keep Patna plastic-free.
The machines have been installed at important public places — two along the JP Ganga Path, one at Maurya Lok Complex, and two at Minar Ghat. These are spots where large numbers of people visit daily, and plastic waste is often a problem. The Municipal Commissioner said that the idea behind the project is to make the city cleaner and teach people to be more responsible about waste. He appealed to the public to actively take part in this effort and help turn Patna into a model green city.
The Reverse Vending Machines have been set up and will be maintained by M/s Biocrux Private Limited, which will provide free maintenance services for three years. Each machine is fitted with modern Internet of Things (IoT) and Wi-Fi technology. To use it, a person has to insert an empty plastic bottle and enter their mobile number. The machine immediately crushes the bottle to save space and calculates the green points or refund value, which are linked to the user’s mobile number. This smart system makes the process simple, efficient, and transparent.
Officials said that these machines will not only help manage plastic waste but also have major environmental benefits. It is estimated that the system will help save 42 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 700 litres of fuel, and 52,000 litres of water every year. The machines also ensure that all bottles collected are fully recyclable, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
With this new step, Patna joins the growing list of cities using technology to fight plastic pollution. The Reverse Vending Machine initiative shows how small actions, when taken together, can lead to a big change. It is a smart and simple way to inspire citizens to take pride in keeping their city clean and green.
