In Recyclathon Awards, part of Bengaluru Recycling Habba, Mantri Tranquil apartment in Kanakpura road won the championship for Best Waste Wise Apartment (above 250 units category). Around 2009, a few residents here studied different recycling models across the city and designed their own version.
Dr Ramachandran at the Mantri Tranquil recycling unit. Pic: Navya P K
Their organic compost unit now generates about 3000 kgs of compost every month, which is used in the gardens within the complex or sold outside. Residents also segregate dry waste into five categories. which is collected and recycled by the NGO Saahas.
Dr N Ramchandran, one of the project initiators, says, "Of the 710 residents, 60% are segregating already. Monthly operation cost of the compost unit is Rs 20,000-24,000, which is covered by sale of compost and dry waste." In each block 2-3 volunteer manage the system.
Adarsh Residency is the runner-up for Best Waste Wise Apartments (100 to 250 Units).
Innisfree School won the championship for Best Waste Wise School. Wet waste, paper and plastic are deposited in separate bins. Wet waste generates compost and is used in the school garden. "We also have a paper recycling unit which generates about 15 kgs of paper per week. We use this paper for school projects," says faculty Rajeshwari Reddy. Plastic is sent to recycling units by the NGO Saahas. ⊕