Recycling plant helps students earn while they learn

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar

As various initiatives are being taken under “My waste my responsibility” campaign, launched by the Health and Sanitation Department of the Municipal Corporation, people from several institutions and organisations are coming forward to join hands with the civic body for judicious treatment of waste.

In one such initiative, the paper recycling plant at HMV College is serving as an effective model of the campaign. The recycling unit converts waste paper into coloured sheets that are further used for making office files, greeting cards, envelopes and decorative papers. Teachers, who operate machine said, the recycling unit was installed on the college premises around three years ago.

Anjana, a college teacher, said, “The machine recycles waste paper, cardboards, denim and stationery. Many recycled products produced by machine are sold by students. Paper of different thickness, colour and quality depending upon the requirement is generated through this machine.”

HMV College Principal Ajay Sareen said paper could be recycled three times and waste water from the machine could be utilised for gardening. “No chemical is used during the whole process except alum. Recycled paper is used for making office files, folders, envelopes, gift wraps and packing material,” added Sareen.

“Faculty members, students and supporting staff have been trained to operate the machine. Working of most parts of this machine is manual. So, we are saving electricity too,” said Sareen.

“First, waste paper is given water and alum treatment, followed by drying the wet material. After it dries, creases on sheets are removed by pressing and organic colours are added to make them colourful,” said Anjana.

“Students from Art, Craft and Design Department decorate sheets and sell them in college festivals and carnivals. They promote earn while you learn motto,” Anjana added. Other staff members, Jatinder Goswami and Rakhi Mehta, help students in operating machine.

Municipal Commissioner Karnesh Sharma said, “My waste, my responsibility campaign has been launched to provide livelihood to self help groups (SHGs), formed under the National Urban Livelihood Mission, by tying them with industries and organisations generating waste in form of cloth.”

“From waste cloth, SHGs at ‘Bibian di Hatti’ form useful and creative items like bedsheets, rugs, wall art, mats, purses, pouches and dresses. This way we can help manage cloth waste effectively and also support SHGs,” Sharma added.

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