WASTE MANAGEMENT AUDIT at TKM College od Arts and Scienec,Kollam



T.K.M COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE, KOLLAM

Re-accredited by NAAC with "A++" Grade



BHOOMITHRA SENA CLUB

KLM/2024/42

REPORT ON

WASTE MANAGEMENT AUDIT

Submitted to



JANUARY 2025


ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

As directed by Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Kerala, Bumithrasena Club of TKM College of Arts and Science, Kollam conducted an audit of existing waste management facilities at Kottamkara, Elampallur and Kuripuzha MCFs. Dr. MJ Sheeba (Principal, TKM CAS) Dr. Mumthas Y (FIC,Bhoomithra sena Club,TKMCAS), Dr. Jasin Rahman VK (Joint FIC) and Rohini Krishna M.V. (HOD, Department of Zoology, TKMCAS) led students of Bhumitrasena Club and Department of Zoology actively participated in the audit conducted to ensure compliance with environmental laws and norms.




BHOOMITHRA SENA CLUB MEMBERS 

PARTICIPATED IN AUDITING

1Dr Rohini Krishna MV , HOD in Zoology, TKMCAS

2Dr Mumthas Y - FIC, TKMCAS 

3Dr Jasin Rahman VK , Joint FIC, TKMCAS 

4Saniya S – S3 BSc Zoology 

5Alfiya N - S3 BSc Zoology

6Aliya Nasrine - S3 BSc Zoology

7Muhammed Afsal S - S3 BSc Zoology

8Manu Suthan - S3 BSc Zoology

9Akshaya Gopan - S3 BSc Zoology

10Asna Parveen - S3 BSc Zoology

11Nandana Raju - S3 BSc Zoology

12Adheena Maju - S3 BSc Zoology

13Anila L - S3 BSc Zoology

14Nerooda - S3 BSc Zoology

15Ardhana A - S3 BSc Zoology



REPORT ON 

THE VISIT TO KOTTAMKARA MCF 


Date of Visit: 20th December 2024         Location: Kottamkara MCF


Organized by: Bhoomithra Sena Club & Department of Zoology, TKM College of Arts and Science


On 20th December 2024, Bhoomithra Sena Club & Department of Zoology of TKM College of Arts and Science conducted a survey at Kottamkara MCF. The aim of this visit was to understand the process of plastic waste recycling, focusing specifically on segregation methods, the challenges involved in recycling, and the transportation of segregated plastic waste to recycling centers. The visit provided first-hand insight into the functioning of the MCF and highlighted the need for more advanced facilities to improve the efficiency of the plastic waste collection, management and segregation. 


THE KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE VISIT 

  • To observe and understand the methods employed at Kottamkara MCF for segregating plastic wastes.
  • To assess the challenges faced by the facility in collection and segregation of recycling plastic wastes.
  • To observe the transportation process of segregated plastics to recycling centers.




OVERVIEW OF KOTTAMKARA MCF


Kottamkara MCF is located near the Modern fish market, Karicode which handles various types of waste such as non biodegradable plastics. Even though the facility is dedicated to collecting, segregating and transporting waste materials, it is equipped with basic infrastructure for segregating plastics manually. The MCF lacks advanced machinery that would streamline and improve the efficiency of its operations, such as a baling machine for compacting large volumes of plastic waste.


CURRENT METHOD OF PLASTIC WASTE SEGREGATION

The plastic waste management at Kottamkara MCF largely depends on manual labor for segregation. 

Manual Segregation: Waste plastics are separated manually by workers. The segregation involves sorting plastics into different types based on their size and material composition. Workers use their hands to identify and segregate plastics, placing them into separate bags for transportation and further processing.

Lack of Advanced Machinery: The facility currently lacks machinery such as bailing machines, shredding mahine, conveyer belt which are typically used to sort, segregate and compact plastics into manageable sizes for easier transportation and recycling. This limitation results in inefficiencies, as the plastic waste is not compressed or organized in a way that could optimize space and reduce transport costs.

Segregation Challenges: The process is manual; the facility faces challenges related to the large volume of waste and ensures accurate segregation. Moreover, the manual process can be time-consuming and leading to contamination of recyclable plastic materials.

TRANSPORTATION OF SEGREGATED PLASTIC WASTE

After segregation, the plastic waste is packed into separate bags and prepared for transportation. The transportation process at Kottamkara MCF involves the following steps: Pandas Eco Solution Company is the contracted agency that segregated the plastic waste is exported to recycling centers. This agency is responsible for transporting the plastic bags to appropriate recycling facilities where the materials are processed further.


CHALLENGES FACED BY KOTTAMKARA MCF

During the visit, the following challenges where identified at Kottamkara MCF 

  1. Limited Resources and Facilities.
  2. Lack of advanced equipments. 
  3. Inefficiencies in storage and transportation.
  4. Lack of sufficient funds. 
  5. Lack of equipments to maintain hygiene standards. 
  6. Threats from reptiles and other pests.
  7. Hesitancy in paying user fee.  
  8. Lack of proper waste transportation vehicles.
  9. Inability to use Haritha Mithram applications. 
  10. Issue of Health insurance facilities. 


OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT

The visit also identified areas where Kottamkara MCF could be improved 

Investment in Advanced Machinery: The introduction of automated systems such as baling machines, shredding machines, conveyer belt and sorting technologies could significantly improve the efficiency of the facility. With better equipment, the plant could process higher volumes of plastic waste and reduce the need for manual labor.

Public Awareness and Community Involvement: Encouraging local communities to participate in waste segregation at the source could ease the workload at Kottamkara MCF. 

Educational campaigns that teach people how to separate plastics from other waste materials could contribute to cleaner, more manageable waste for the facility.

Collaboration with Local Recycling Centers: By establishing partnerships with local recycling centers, Kottamkara MCF could streamline its operations and reduce transportation delays. 

Setting up a system where plastics are directly recycled at the facility could reduce the reliance on external agencies and enhance the facility's recycling capabilities.

The MCF is located in the 16 th ward of Kottamkara Grama Panchayath. It occupies around 4000 square feet with a sheet roof with height of 6.70m. The building owned by Kottamkara Grama Panchayath has only two weighing machines. Sorting table, conveyer belt, shredding machine and bailing machines are absent. The Haritha Karma sena leaders requested for the facilities mentioned above, unfortunately the facilities were not approved by the Panchayath. Two fire extinguishers are available, and they were unable to use Haritha Mithram applications due to server issues. In addition to this, there is no continuous waste transportation system. Sufficient waste collecting accessories such as gloves, masks and uniforms are available along with basic facilities such as drinking water, waiting area, toilet facilities, and resting rooms are available for Haritha Karma Sena members.


Table 1. Over view of Collection site Details

1Total collection sites 12192

2Paid user fee Houses 6862

3Total Shops 1428

4Paid user fee shops 781

5Permanent Door closed Houses  5983

6Permanent Door closed Shops  313

7Non respondents3175



Table 2. Register Details

 

1Stock in stock out Maintained and updated 

2Vehicle Maintained and updated 

3Collection Maintained and updated 

4Consortium Maintained and updated 

5Review meeting Maintained and updated 

6Salary Maintained and updated 

7Attendance Maintained and updated 

8Stock MCF Intern Maintained and updated 

9Visiting Maintained and updated 

10CKC Stock out Maintained and updated 



Haritha Karma Sena Leaders at Kottamkara MCF

Coordinator: Arya Ravi

Consortion Secretary : Rasiya

President: Rema kumari

Panchayath Asst Secretary: Shiva kumar




KOTTAMKARA MCF 

Details gathering from Arya

Data Collected 

Data Collection

Checking Registers

Collected plastics manually sorting 

Inside view of MCF


Storage of collected plastics

Waiting for transportation








REPORT ON 

THE VISIT TO ELAMPALLOOR MCF 


Date of Visit: 20th December 2024 Location: Elampalloor MCF


Organized by: Bhoomithra Sena Club & Department of Zoology, TKM College of Arts and Science, Kollam 


KEY OBJECTIVES 


  • To observe and understand the methods employed at Elampalloor MCF for collection & management of plastic waste.
  • To assess the challenges faced by the facility in recycling plastic waste.
  • Understanding the transportation and segregation of wastes.



OVERVIEW OF ELAMPALLOOR MCF


The MCF is located in the 5th ward of Ambipoyka, under the management of ‘‘Clean Kerala’’. Elampalloor MCF is a local waste management facility which handles various types of waste, notably plastic. The plastic wastes of 21 wards are accumulated at Elampalloor MCF each month. It occupies around 2000 square feet with a concrete roof. The facility has a functioning weighing machine and a sorting table, but lacks a bailing machine and shredding machine due to insufficient space. Five fire extinguishers are available, and Haritha Mithram applications are used. However, there is no continuous waste transportation system. Waste collecting accessories such as gloves, masks, uniforms and other basic facilities such as drinking water, waiting area, toilet facilities, and resting rooms are available for Haritha Karma Sena members. 



CURRENT METHOD OF PLASTIC WASTE SEGREGATION


The plastic waste management at Elampalloor MCF largely depends on manual labor for segregation. The following process is employed:

  1. Manual Segregation: Waste plastics are separated manually by workers based on their size and material composition. Workers use their hands to identify and segregate plastics, placing them into separate bags for further processing.
  2. Segregation Challenges: It faces challenges such as skilled labour
  3. Transportation of segregated plastic waste - After segregation, the plastic waste is packed into separate bags and prepared for transportation. 
  4. Contracted Agencies: The segregated plastic waste is exported to recycling centers with the help of an agency ‘‘Clean Kerala’’. The agency is responsible for transporting the plastic bags to appropriate recycling facilities where the materials are processed further.

CHALLENGES FACED BY ELAMPALLOOR MCF

The challenges associated with the operations of Elampalloor MCF were observed to be  

  1. Irregular Transportation - The transportation vehicles were not arriving regularly as a result the plastics which were due to be collected each month accumulated in the area. 
  2. Unhygienic environment - During rainy days, the place becomes stagnant and pest infected. This area now became a breeding place for mosquitoes as well. 
  3. Hesitancy to pay user fee- The workers here face a lot of bad situations such as disrespectful behavior and hesitancy to pay user fee. 
  4. Lack of Automation - The manual method of segregation is time-consuming and requires a significant workforce. The process is prone to human error and can lead to contamination of the plastic, reducing the quality of the recyclable material.
  5. Issue of Health insurance facilities. 


Table 1. Over view of Collection site Details


1Total collection sites 12546

2Paid user fee Houses 6387

3Total Shops 1682

4Paid user fee shops 673

5Permanent Door closed Houses  803

6Permanent Door closed Shops  283

7Non respondents2718


Table 2. Register Details


1Stock in stock out Properly maintained and updated 

2Vehicle Properly maintained and updated 

3Collection Properly maintained and updated 

4Consortium Properly maintained and updated 

5Review meeting Properly maintained and updated 

6Salary Properly maintained and updated 

7Attendance Properly maintained and updated 

8Stock MCF Intern Properly maintained and updated 

9Visiting Properly maintained and updated 

10CKC Stock out Properly maintained and updated 



RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Public Awareness and Community Involvement - Encouraging local communities to participate in waste segregation at the source could ease the workload at Elampalloor MCF. 
  • Educational campaigns that teach people how to separate plastics from other wastes.
  • Haritha karma volunteers should be provided suitable medical allowance for their safety and protection.
  • Ensure that the wastes are properly disposed and are not harmful to the earth and its surroundings.
  • Congested space, unhealthy and unscientific disposal will cause ground water leakage 
  • Proximity of kindergarten to the MCF, either should be shifted from the place 


Members Present at Elampalloor MCF


1.Consortion secretary :Manju

2.President:Prasanna


Haritha Karma sena members:

1.Renuka

2.Sheeja

3.Majitha

4.Raji

5.Rakhi

6.Nirmala

7.Viji

8.Naseema

9.Lisi kutty

10.Vasantha

11.Jalaja

12.Vijithra

13.Ambili

14.Sreelatha


ELAMPALLOOR MCF

Sorting plastics 

Data Checking 

Data Collection

Checking Registers

Sorted plastics waiting for transportation  

Inside view of MCF


Ckecking facilities 

Soring Building















REPORT ON 

THE VISIT TO KUREEPUZHA MCF 


Date of Visit: 20th December 2024 Location: Elampalloor MCF


Organized by: Bhoomithra Sena Club & Department of Zoology, TKM College of Arts and Science


KEY OBJECTIVES 


  • To observe and understand the methods employed at Kureepuzha MCF for collecting plastic waste.


  • To assess the challenges faced by the facility in segregating and managing plastic waste.


  • Understand the transportation process and how segregated plastics is sent to recycling centers.



OVERVIEW OF KUREEPUZHA MCF


Kureepuzha MCF is located in the 7th ward of Kollam Corporation under the management of ‘‘Clean Kerala’’. It handles various types of waste, including plastics. The facility is dedicated to collecting, sorting and segregating waste materials, but doesn’t even have the basic infrastructure. The plastic wastes of 7 zones are dumped here without any suitable segregation or sorting. 

It occupies around 5000 square feet with a sheet roof. The facility has a functioning weighing machine and a sorting table, a bailing machine and shredding machine, there are only ten fire balloons. Haritha Mithram applications are used. However, there is no continuous waste transportation system. Waste collecting accessories such as gloves, masks, fan, drinking water, waiting area and resting rooms are unavailable for Haritha Karma Sena members.


CURRENT METHOD OF PLASTIC WASTE SEGREGATION


The plastic waste management at Kureepuzha MCF largely depends on automated for segregation. 

  1. Automated segregation: Separated automatically by the help of workers based on their size and material composition. Workers use their hands to identify and segregate plastics, placing them into separate bags for further processing.
  2. Contract Agencies: The Clean Kerala Company Ltd., is responsible for transporting the plastic bags to appropriate recycling facilities where the materials are processed further.


CHALLENGES FACED BY KUREEPUZHA MCF


During the visit, the following challenges where identified at Kottamkara MCF 

  1. Limited basic infrastructure 
  2. Inefficiencies in storage and transportation.
  3. Lack of sufficient funds. 
  4. Lack of equipments to maintain hygiene standards. 
  5. Threats from reptiles and other pests.
  6. Hesitancy in paying user fee.  
  7. Lack of proper waste transportation vehicles.
  8. Issue of Health insurance facilities. 
  9. Proximity of old age home – ‘pakalveedu’ 
  10. Health issues due to rising temperature 


Table 1. Over view of Collection site Details


1Total collection sites Not submitted 

2Paid user fee Houses Not submitted 

3Total Shops Not submitted 

4Paid user fee shops Not submitted 

5Permanent Door closed Houses  Not submitted 

6Permanent Door closed Shops  Not submitted 

7Not Listed Not submitted 


Table 2. Register Details

1 Stock in stock out Not submitted

2Vehicle Not submitted

3Collection Not submitted

4Consortium Not submitted

5Review meeting Not submitted

6Salary Not submitted

7Attendance Not submitted

8Stock MCF Intern Not submitted

9Visiting Not submitted

10CKC Stock out Not submitted



RECOMMENDATIONS


  • Public Awareness and Community Involvement:
  • Encouraging local communities to participate in waste segregation at the source could ease the workload at Elampalloor MCF. 
  • Educational campaigns that teach people how to separate plastics from other wastes.
  • They can be provided with a medical allowance for their safety and protection.Basis
  • Community Engagement: Increase public awareness and involvement in waste segregation to ensure cleaner waste streams that are easier to manage at the facility.
  • Ensure that the wastes are properly disposed and are not harmful to the earth and its surroundings.



Members Present at Kureepuzha RRF


JHI:-Smitha

IRPC Coordinator:- Faizal


Harithakarma Sena members:

1.Sibi balan

2.Beena

3.Jayasree

4.Lekshmi





KUREEPUZHA MCF

Sorting plastics 

Data Checking 

Data Collection

Inside MCF

Sorted plastics waiting for transportation  

Inside view of MCF


Ckecking facilities 

Soring Building



The process highlighted the challenges in segregating plastic waste 

Complexities of Plastic Waste Management

  • Segregation Issues: The process likely highlighted the challenges in separating different types of plastic waste effectively. Given the various grades and types of plastics, improper segregation at the source can complicate recycling efforts.
  • Processing Technologies: We observed different technologies and methods used in processing plastic waste. These could include mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and even the challenges faced in these processes like contamination and the need for advanced sorting technologies.

Take away points 

  • Community Involvement: The importance of community involvement and education. Effective waste management starts at the individual and community level, emphasizing the need for awareness and participation in proper waste disposal and recycling practices.
  • Policy and Regulation: Insights include the necessity for stricter policies and regulations to ensure efficient plastic waste management. This could cover everything from banning single-use plastics to incentivizing recycling programs and supporting innovations in waste processing.

Suggestions for Improvements

  • Infrastructure Enhancement: The visit points light on need for improved infrastructure for waste collection and processing. This includes better facilities, more efficient collection systems, and advanced recycling technologies.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Recognizing the role of collaboration between public bodies and private entities could be another crucial point. Leveraging the resources and innovation capabilities of the private sector can significantly improve waste management systems.


Local Level Improvements

  • Grassroots Initiatives: At the local level, small-scale, community-driven initiatives could be crucial. This might involve local recycling programs, waste collection drives, and educational campaigns to promote responsible plastic usage and disposal.
  • Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing feedback systems to continually assess and improve waste management practices can help in making necessary adjustments and improvements over time.


Ultimately, such a visit can reinforce the critical importance of a collective effort in managing plastic waste, from individual actions to institutional policies and technological advancements. It underscores the multifaceted approach required to tackle the complex issue of plastic waste management effectively.




Programme Expenditure

Sl Particulars Amount
1 Refreshments 1500
2 Petrol 1000
Total 2500

Programme Photos
Report of the programme  Download