Cement manufacturer to procure banned plastics

A Chennai Corporation official said that the plastic items have higher calorific value than coal and it could produce more energy when burnt. The management of a private cement plant, which is based in Ariyalur, has agreed to take plastic items from Chennai and use as fuel at the plant.

“As per the norms of the central government, plastic items should be transported to industries at the cost of concerned local bodies. But we implored the manufacturer to transport the plastic items themselves, which they agreed to,” the official said.

Even though the Chennai Corporation seized more than 70 tonnes of banned plastic items from January 1, the officials have agreed to give only 50 tonnes of it.

When asked about the remaining plastic items that have been stored in Corporation facilities, the official said that a decision would be taken soon. “The cement manufacturer will take the plastic items next week,” the official added.

Earlier, the Chennai Corporation officials had decided to shred the seized plastic to lay plastic-based bituminous roads. However, the decision of giving away the plastic to industries has been taken, apparently, due to its availability in huge amount.