Lucro Plastecycle, a key player in plastic recycling and sustainable waste management, has successfully launched an innovative Deposit Return System (DRS) in Baramati, Maharashtra. Unlike typical DRS programs that focus on collecting rigid plastic waste like bottles and cans, Lucro’s initiative is pioneering in its inclusion of flexible plastic waste, such as bread and milk pouches and food packaging.
Over the past two years, this program has significantly changed how Baramati residents manage and dispose of plastic waste. Lucro’s DRS encourages residents to sell their household plastic waste, effectively reducing the amount of mismanaged plastic in the community. This initiative has not only raised awareness about recyclable materials but also promoted a culture of responsible waste management.
The collected plastic waste is sorted and processed at Lucro’s recycling center, where it is repurposed into new packaging materials, exemplifying the circular economy model. Lucro’s collaboration with the local Nagar Palika (municipal authorities) has led to the establishment of several collection booths across Baramati. Residents can bring their used plastic waste to these booths, where they are informed about the recycling process and receive immediate digital payments for their contributions.
Lucro has also set up an ‘Avkaar Kendra’ for waste sorting, managed by local waste pickers. The sorted waste is then transported to Lucro’s recycling and manufacturing facility for conversion into new packaging products. Each transaction is digitally recorded, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Lucro Plastecycle’s Managing Director, Ujwal Desai, highlighted the challenges of recycling contaminated household plastic waste due to poor segregation. He noted that Lucro is tackling this issue by raising awareness about proper waste segregation and using advanced technologies, including AI sorting prototypes.
This initiative currently serves around 60,000 households in Baramati, targeting the collection of over 3 tons of plastic waste each month. It has also generated several direct jobs within the local community. Lucro Plastecycle remains committed to advancing sustainable waste management solutions, with the success of the DRS program in Baramati standing as proof of the company’s dedication to sustainability and community development.
