Kozhikode, in Kerala, will launch a zero waste project from November 1 this year. The comprehensive waste management scheme for the district is designed by collector U V Jose. The state government had initiated this project under the Haritha Kerala Mission.

The zero waste project entails the participation of people from all walks of life including houses, commercial establishments and shops. A meeting of local self-government bodies was called on Monday to discuss the action plan in detail.

Speaking at the meeting, the collector said that the project was designed to provide sustainable waste management solution to dispose of the nondegradable waste in the district. It involved issues such as waste generation, segregation, collection, treatment and management.

The project calls for segregation of waste where plastic waste will be collected once in a month. Other non-degradable waste such as footwear, carry bags, clothes, glasses, tubes, bulbs and e-waste will be once in three or six months.
People will have to pay a user fee for collection of nondegradable waste. Those who would not be able to pay the user fee will be exempted.

The collector stated that members from Kudumbashree or NGO organization volunteers will be involved in the execution of the project. The funds for this project will come from all the LSG bodies who have been asked to set aside 10% of their plan funds for the waste disposal project.