How is Chennai tackling plastic pollution in its waterways?

Chennai has launched a pilot project installing a trash barrier in the Buckingham Canal to intercept plastic waste before it reaches the sea, involving the informal sector.

What is the role of the informal sector in Chennai's plastic cleanup project?

The project integrates neighborhood scrap shops and waste-pickers into trash boom operations and recycling systems for effective plastic interception and management.

What percentage of collected waste in the Chennai project was banned plastic?

In the initial two days of the pilot project, banned plastics constituted over 50% of the five tonnes of trash trapped in the barrier.

Home / Environment / Chennai Battles Plastic Tide with New Canal Barrier

Chennai Battles Plastic Tide with New Canal Barrier

28 Jan

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Summary

A new trash barrier was installed in Buckingham Canal to intercept plastic waste.
The project integrates informal waste pickers and scrap shops into its operations.
Banned plastics constituted over 50% of collected waste in just two days.

Chennai Battles Plastic Tide with New Canal Barrier

Chennai has initiated a significant pilot project to curb plastic pollution in its waterways, gaining approval from the Greater Chennai Corporation and the Water Resources Department. A newly installed trash barrier in the Buckingham Canal aims to intercept plastic waste before it enters the sea.

This infrastructure actively involves the informal sector, including neighborhood scrap shops and waste-pickers, integrating them into trash boom operations and recycling systems. The project is funded by Danida green business partnerships and implemented by Ocean Plastic Forum, Kabadiwalla Connect, and Gleco. Initial results are striking, with banned plastics comprising over 50% of the five tonnes of waste captured in just two days.

Researchers are exploring ways to utilize collected materials, including water hyacinth fiber, while focusing on recycling hard plastics like HDPE and PP. Efforts are also underway to create recycling streams for low-value plastics. Awareness campaigns are planned for schools and communities, with aspirations to expand the project citywide.