Railways plans buyback policy for plastic bottles, crushing machines

Central Railways is planning to implement a buyback policy for plastic bottles along with installing plastic bottle crushing machines at major stations as Maharashtra is all set to implement a statewide plastic ban from June 23. One of the biggest challenges the railways face is that of plastic containers, including bottles, entering Maharashtra from other States. Within Maharashtra, the government is proposing to have plastic bottles with a buyback price printed on it.

The Railways is considering to extend the buyback policy only for approved manufacturers of the railways and on bottles that print the buyback price. The railway officials would be meeting the approved manufacturers in the coming week. It has also sought clarification from zonal headquarters as to how to implement the buyback mechanism.

The major concern regarding the returned bottles would be the storage, which also needs proper planning and management. Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is also discussing ways to frame a buyback plan for water-vending machines, which provide water in plastic cups as well as one-litre bottles.