"Bio-Bins" to make Kochi clean city

Kochi, Aug 1 (UNI) The Kerala Builders' Forum (KBF) is planning to install 'bio-bins' for microbial composting of biodegradable waste to enable Kochi city to tackle the problem of garbage disposal.

Addressing a press conference here last night, KBF Secretary George E George said the Forum's 'Clean Kochi' drive would be launched by Kerala Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohd Kutty here on August four.

Besides installing these bins in all existing and upcoming building projects of the Forum, the KBF was also offering to install them in other residential complexes and localities in the city.

The bio-bins, costing about Rs 22,000 for a two-bin unit, would use natural soil bacteria in a liquid solution to break down biodegradable waste in about 15 to 20 days. This would not pollute the environment, and also produce high quality manure.

Mr George said the scheme would help to create almost 1,000 jobs in Kochi, where members of local SHGs such as 'Kudumbasree' and others would be trained to collect waste and operate the bins.

Besides biodegradable waste, non-recyclable waste like plastic and petroleum based products could be powdered and re-used in place of bitumen for tarring roads. The KBF was also discussing this project with the PWD, he said.

UNI